Just weeks after a police officer and 22 others were reportedly killed, with another 12 in critical condition in an attack in Gbeji community and police station in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, a former Deputy Rector of the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo was shot dead by unknown assailants along the busy Otukpo – Eke Ugbokolo – Otukpa highway
His death comes after the Information Officer of Ukum local govenrment was also shot dead by unknown assailants who trailed the deceased to his house according to Steve Ayua who spoke to the Vanguard Newspaper.
Meanwhile, the former Rector was reportedly killed while on his way back from Ugbokolo from Otukpo in Benue State whilst in the company of his wife.
According to reports, the deceased travelled for a public engagement and ran into an ambush by armed men. He was flagged down and upon making the stop, was shot and killed. There was also an attempt to kidnap his wife but she was abandoned upon the sighting of approaching military personnel.
These series of events also point to a deterioration of security architecture in the area – as another lecturer was also killed a few months ago from a similar incident and numerous passengers who ply the road have also been either killed, kidnapped or shot at by these gunmen.