Tragedy struck on Monday, 6 May 2024, as Mr. James Odeh Oko, affectionately known as “Golden,” chairman of the Omajaga Community Development Association (ACDA) Makurdi branch, met his untimely demise. He was reported to have been brutally murdered by notorious bandits along the Makurdi-Naka road in Benue State.
Though the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, the news of Mr. Oko’s death sent shockwaves through the community, with friends, colleagues, and residents expressing profound grief and disbelief. Tributes poured in from all corners, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the community and the profound loss his death represents.
Condolences flooded social media platforms, with messages of sympathy directed towards Mr. Oko’s family, the Omajaga community, the Akpa (Akweya) Community Development Association (ACDA) Makurdi branch, and the entire Akweya people. Many lamented the senseless violence that claimed the life of such a respected leader and called for justice to be served.
“I am lost of words to describe how I feel,” wrote Hon. Augustine Angbo, a former aide to the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom. “Rest on my brother,” he added.
“The memories of us growing up together in Omajaga lives forever.”
A former National President of the ACDA, Engr. Pius Oklo, who recently escaped kidnap by armed men, also consoled with the family and community. “What a devastating loss. My condolences to the Family, Omajaga Community, ACDA Makurdi, Omajaga Community Makurdi and the entire Akweya people. This is too painful. May the will of God be done always – AMEN.”
As people resign to fate, the police could not be reached at press time to confirm the status of investigations into the tragic incident. But posts from the community reflect that they are united in mourning the loss of a beloved leader and advocating for measures to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.
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