A former gubernatorial aspirant in Benue State, Terwase Orbunde, was reportedly attacked by gunmen on Friday while returning from his farm. [See unique feature on this site by Mike Odeh James] Mr. Orbunde, who contested under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections, was allegedly shot in the right arm during the assault.
More troubling, however, is the abduction of his wife and house help by the attackers. Police spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the incident and assured the public that a team of detectives have been dispatched to investigate the crime scene and apprehend the perpetrators.
Anene further stated that Mr. Orbunde’s vehicle was recovered by the police. She also revealed that eyewitnesses reported seeing five gunmen involved in the attack. They reportedly ordered Mr. Orbunde, his wife, and the house help to follow them, but left the injured politician behind when he couldn’t keep pace due to profuse bleeding from the wound.
While Anene assured that the assailants would be tracked and arrested and the abducted freed, the assailants have reportedly demanded the sum of N100 million (US$83,200) to free the abducted women. No motive for the attack or the abduction has yet been established.
Mr. Orbunde, is a close political ally of the former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, serving as Chief of Staff during Ortom’s administration.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
