BENUE: FAMILY OF SLAIN TIV DRIVER DEMANDS JUSTICE OVER BRUTAL KILLING IN CROSS RIVER. (PHOTO).

 BENUE: FAMILY OF SLAIN TIV DRIVER DEMANDS JUSTICE OVER BRUTAL KILLING IN CROSS RIVER

21st July, 2025       

The family of Mr. Ternenge Iorkyaa Ikpanor, a Tiv commercial motor driver allegedly murdered by a mob in Obudu, Cross River State, has called for swift justice, an independent investigation, and national accountability over what they described as an "inhuman and barbaric" killing.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, July 21, Dr. Elijah Terdoo Ikpanor, on behalf of the grieving family, recounted the horror of the incident which occurred on Friday, July 18, 2025. Mr. Ikpanor, popularly known as "Agege", was reportedly stoned and hacked to death by a mob in Obudu town under what the family termed "criminal and ethnically motivated" circumstances.

The deceased, originally from Mbanyam, Mbaduku in Benue State, was described as a hardworking and law-abiding man who earned his living as a commercial transporter. According to the family, his death was linked to tensions stemming from a separate conflict between Mbazerem people of Mbaduku and the Abonkip community of Obudu—areas geographically distant from where the murder occurred.

“This barbaric act has left his family, his community, and all peace-loving Nigerians in an indescribable state of grief,” Dr. Ikpanor said. “This is not just a tragedy for the Tiv people, but a national stain on our shared humanity.”

The family expressed appreciation for the prompt intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, but also demanded:

A full and transparent investigation into the murder,

Identification and prosecution of all perpetrators and accomplices, and

Immediate release of Mr. Ikpanor’s remains for burial.

In addition, the family called on the National Human Rights Commission to open an independent inquiry and extend legal and psychological support to Mr. Ikpanor’s widow and three children.

“This is a defining moment. If we fail to act now, we risk normalizing extrajudicial killings and ethnic violence,” the family warned.

They ended their statement with a strong call for justice, urging Nigerian authorities to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.

“God bless the memory of our dear son, brother, and husband,” Dr. Ikpanor concluded.

The tragic killing has sparked outrage across social media, with activists and community leaders demanding justice and peace between ethnic communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and southern regions.

As of press time, the Police are yet to release details of arrests or progress in the investigation.