Reports have it that on Thursday, Benue State lawyers boycotted sittings because of the death of their member Barrister Mike Ofikwu, that was killed in Otukpo area of the state by gunmen.
Gunmen attacked and killed the man in front of his compound when he drove into his residence. It was reported that he was shot several times after which he was rushed to the hospital when the gunmen left. He passed away last Thursday.
During the protests, the lawyers marched from High Court to the police headquarters in Makurdi.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi, Barrister Terna Iyaji, told the the state commissioner of police that the lawyers are not only mourning their member but they also demand for justice.
The NBA Chairman said, “All lawyers in the state including Makurdi, Otukpo and Gboko branches are here today. We boycotted the courts today and we are here to urge you (police) to step up investigation. We encourage you to expedite investigation into the matter because this is not the first time this kind of killing would occur.
“It has happened before, Ofikwu’s killing is the second and we don’t want to experience anything like this again.”
The Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabnet, represented by his spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, said, “This investigation is ongoing. I can assure you that we will unravel the killers of your colleague. His death affects all of us and I sympathise with the NBA over the killing of one of your own. Be assured that justice will be served.”