Ikpanor family demands justice over gruesome murder of member in Obudu
By Lubem Gena
The family of Mr. Ternenge Iorkyaa Ikpanor, a young Tiv commercial driver from Mbanyam, Mbaduku in Benue State, has issued a passionate appeal for justice following his brutal murder by stoning and machete attacks in Obudu, Cross River State, on Friday, July 18, 2025.
In a press statement released on Monday, July 21, and signed by Dr. Elijah Ikpanor Agege Shar on behalf of the family, the Ikpanor family expressed deep pain, outrage, and shock at the “inhuman and barbaric” killing of their son, who was widely known as ‘Agege’ by friends and peers.
According to the family, the late Mr. Ikpanor, a commercial transporter, was killed in an act of mob violence allegedly triggered by an unrelated misunderstanding between members of the Mbazerem community of Mbaduku and the Abonkip community of Obudu.
The family described the incident as a case of extrajudicial killing driven by ethnic hatred and misdirected anger.
“This is not just a tragedy for the Tiv people, but a national stain on our shared humanity and justice system,” the statement read. “Such acts must not be swept under the carpet.”
While commending the Inspector-General of Police for swiftly ordering the arrest of the perpetrators, the family called for:
- A full, transparent investigation into the murder
- The identification and prosecution of all perpetrators and collaborators
- The immediate release of Mr. Ikpanor’s corpse to his family for burial
Additionally, the family urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to open an independent inquiry into the incident and provide legal and psychological support to the widow and three children of the deceased.
The Ikpanor family warned that failure to act decisively would risk normalizing ethnic violence and mob justice in the country.
“The Tiv people are peace-loving and hardworking, but no community should be forced to watch its sons and daughters die in silence,” Dr. Shar stated. “We demand justice. We demand accountability. And we demand action, now!”
The late Mr. Ikpanor is survived by his wife and three young children.
The tragedy has sparked concern among human rights groups and community leaders, as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising incidents of communal violence and impunity.
