The remains of Chief Akatu Augustine Onche (JP), a retired Immigration Comptroller who was gruesomely murdered by suspected herdsmen, have been laid to rest in Benue State amid an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and dignitaries.

Chief Onche was shot dead at his residence in the Asa 2 area of Otukpo town, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on March 31, 2025, in what appears to be another violent attack in the troubled region.

A funeral service was held at St. John's Vianney Catholic Church, Asa 2, Otukpo, where mourners gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased who had served his country with distinction before retirement.

Senator Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader representing Benue South, was among the prominent figures who attended the funeral. In his emotional tribute, Senator Moro revealed that he and the deceased were classmates at Emmanuel Secondary School, Ugbokolo, and had maintained a close friendship over the years.

"I saw Chief Onche and his wife just days before this tragic incident when they paid me a visit in Otukpo," Senator Moro recounted, visibly shaken by the loss of his friend.

The senator strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a "senseless act against a man who had served the country with honour and later dedicated himself to building his community." He offered prayers for comfort and strength for the grieving family, acknowledging that the loss was irreplaceable.

The murder of Chief Onche comes amid rising tensions in Benue State, where conflicts between farmers and herders have resulted in numerous casualties. Just recently, the Tiv traditional council ordered herdsmen to leave Benue by the end of May, highlighting the severity of the security situation in the state.

The killing of the retired Immigration officer adds to the growing list of high-profile victims of violence in the region, raising further concerns about the state of security in Benue and the broader Middle Belt area of Nigeria.

As Chief Onche is laid to rest, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding his death and whether the perpetrators will be brought to justice. The incident has once again brought to the fore the urgent need for lasting solutions to the security challenges facing Benue State.