An Otukpo based lawyer and activist, Mike Ofikwu has been gruesomely murdered by unknown armed men at his residence in Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.

Mr. Ofikwu was reportedly shot dead by the unknown assailants Wednesday night at about 8pm by the entrance of his residence on Otukpa Street in the ancient town.

A source in the area who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the deceased had just returned home from work and was waiting for his entrance gate to be opened when two armed men in a vehicle drove close to him and shot him dead.

Expressing shock, he said  “it was like what you see in the movies. He just returned back home and was waiting for the gate of his house to be opened for him to drive in.

“Suddenly two men in a vehicle who were obviously tailing him, drove close to him and shot him after which they fled.

“The gunshot attracted the attention of people who ran to the scene and he was immediately rushed to the hospital but he was already dead after losing so much blood.

READ ALSO: Alake urges operators to establish mining bank to boost productivity

BREAKING! Asset forfeiture: Ex-Petroleum Minister, Diezani seeks to amend suit against EFCC

“His tragic death has thrown the Idoma community into mourning because he was a known lawyer and activist in this part of the state and country and we find it so difficult to understand the motive for his murder.”

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene who confirmed the development commiserated with the family and friends of the deceased assuring that investigation into the matter was on “and I can assure you that justice will be served.”