Suspected mentally ill person hacks man to death in Benue community
Residents of Owukpa, Benue State, were thrown into panic on Thursday, September 18, 2025, after a man was allegedly hacked to death by a person described as mentally unstable in the Ipiege–Igah-Uroko area of Itabono.
Witnesses said the suspect, believed to be a resident of Otukpa-Ukalegu in Itabono Ward 1, reportedly walked nearly five kilometres to the scene of the attack.
He allegedly used a machete to fatally assault the victim before moving on to other locations, destroying property.
Videos shared online show angry youths setting fire to the suspect’s house and nearby structures in retaliation.
Community members voiced outrage over the incident, with some calling for the suspect to be captured and interrogated to determine whether he acted alone or was influenced by others.
Others demanded he be restrained to prevent further violence.
Security operatives have since been deployed to Ipiege and surrounding areas to maintain order, and calm has gradually returned.
Suspected mentally ill person hacks man to death in Benue community
