By Amos Aar
BENUE STATE Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the murder of a prominent health rights advocate and leader in Nigeria’s development sector, Mr Chris Terfa Ikpu on Friday, August 9, 2024.
Mr Ikpu, until his assassination in Makurdi on Friday evening, was the national chairperson of the National Key Population Health and Rights Network (NKPHRN) as well as the Executive Director of Concerned Youth for Development Initiative (CYDI).
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Tersoo Kula, on Sunday said Ikpu was killed in his office complex on Nyesom Wike Road by yet to be identified assailants.
According to the statement, the governor, accompanied by some top government functionaries during a condolence visit to the bereaved family on Sunday, recalled the deceased’s significant contributions to the health and human rights sectors, particularly his efforts in advocating for vulnerable populations in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“The Governor commended the prompt actions of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of E Division, Bar Daniel Ezeala, and his team, as the ongoing investigation aims to uncover further details and identify the culprits.
“Even as he was told that a suspect was already in custody and was cooperating, the Governor further directed all security agencies in the state to hunt and ensure the perpetrators and anyone connected to the dastardly act is apprehended and brought to book.
“He assured the public that the state government is fully committed to ensuring that justice is swiftly served.
“The death of Chris Terfa has been met with widespread shock and mourning across Benue and beyond,” the statement read in part.
Reports have it that the undefined gunmen first shot a man on guard to gain access into the office according to Ikpu’s friend, Mr Stanley Chimin, who alleged that the assassins were accompanied by the late Ikpu’s staff whose name was however not mentioned and they used pillows in shooting the victim severally in order to prevent passersby from hearing the sound of gunshots.
