The Omi Nyi Igede Youth Development Association Worldwide (ONYWDA) has appealed to the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, to initiate a thorough investigation into the killing of two of its members along the Awajir Oju Road in Gwer East Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the group’s president, Cletus Aruta, identified the victims as Uko Jonathan Ogah, a newly married man, and Ogoda Gabriel, both natives of Oju Local Government Area.
The men were reportedly ambushed and killed by suspected militias while travelling to Makurdi.
“The late Uko Jonathan Ogah had just celebrated his traditional wedding on Saturday before he and Gabriel were brutally attacked near the Ulam axis,” the statement said. “They were both active members of ONYWDA and proud sons of the Igede nation.”
The group linked the killings to ongoing communal violence between the Mbiese community in Gwer East and the Ugambe community in Konshisha Local Government Area.
According to the association, Igede residents who regularly use the Awajir Oju Road have endured months of insecurity, including extortion, harassment, and repeated attacks by armed groups.
“It may interest you to know that innocent Igede people using the road have been tormented and extorted by militias.
Many are forced to take longer alternative routes where ambushes are common,” the group stated.
ONYWDA urged Governor Alia to deploy military checkpoints along the troubled route to safeguard lives and property.
It also called on the Benue State Police Command to send mobile police units to the area to dismantle militia camps and restore order.
The association extended condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire Igede community, while encouraging youth to remain peaceful and law abiding.
“We call for justice, not vengeance. The blood of our brothers must not be in vain,” Aruta concluded.