Igbu Terhemen, the chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Fiidi Council Ward in Makurdi, Benue State, was found dead after a brutal attack by suspected hoodlums. His body was discovered tied up and unconscious in a bush near his home in the early hours of Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Terhemen had left his residence on the evening of September 29 to watch a local football match in the Kanshio area. When he failed to return, concerned family members and friends initiated a search that led them to his lifeless body around 2 a.m. the following day, close to the NNPC Depot along the Makurdi-Otukpo Road.

A friend of the deceased, who preferred to remain anonymous, reported that Terhemen was found with a needle-like mark on his body, suggesting he may have been injected with a toxic substance before being abandoned. Notably, his phone was still on him when he was discovered, raising questions about the motive behind the attack.

The Benue State chapter of the NDC has condemned the killing, describing it as a heinous act. Agile Bem, the party's publicity secretary, confirmed that Terhemen was attacked by individuals who allegedly tied him up and injected him with a harmful substance before leaving him for dead. The state party chairman, Ohini Ojegbe, labeled the incident as a "broad-daylight evil" and called for swift action from security agencies to apprehend those responsible.

Ojegbe expressed his sorrow over the loss of Terhemen, stating that the party would greatly miss his dedication and contributions, especially at a time when his service was most needed.

As of now, the Benue State police command has not received a formal report regarding the incident, according to DSP Peter Aondongu, the command's spokesperson. This lack of a formal report has raised concerns about the response of law enforcement to the alarming rise in political violence in the region.

This tragic event comes amid growing tensions in the political landscape of Nigeria, with reports of attacks on political figures and party offices becoming increasingly common. Recently, suspected political thugs also targeted the NDC secretariat in Emohua local government area of Rivers State, damaging campaign materials and property.

The NDC has called for urgent action from security agencies to ensure the safety of its members and to bring the perpetrators of these violent acts to justice.