The Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on National Inland Waterways, Ojotu Ojema, has condemned the alleged killing of a youth, Ernest Owoicho, by personnel of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) deployed to Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
DAILY POST gathered that Owoicho was reportedly arrested by the military on Saturday, April 5, 2025, and died in custody in the early hours of Sunday, April 6.
Signs of torture were allegedly visible on his body, raising suspicions of abuse while in detention.
Ojema, who cut short his trip to Abuja upon hearing the news, visited the OPWS base in Ugbokpo, the LGA headquarters, to confirm the incident.
Speaking at the base, he described the death as “gruesome” and called for a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute the culprits.
Ojema urged security agencies to uphold the law and human rights while assuring the deceased’s family of his support.
He also instructed that welfare checks be conducted on the two children left behind by the late Owoicho to determine how assistance can be extended to them.
While urging Apa residents, especially the youth, to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, he reiterated his commitment to seeking justice for his constituents.
“I have the mandate to stand, speak and defend the people of Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.
“There are several civil ways of investigating a case other than torture, more so that we are in the Democratic era. The gruesome murder of this young man is highly condemnable and culprits won’t go unpunished. In as much as I stand against any form of criminality, I can not accept the intimidation and unjustifiable killing of my people” Ojema was quoted as saying by his media aide, Olikita Ekani.
In tears, a relative of the deceased, Peter Ibrama, lamented the loss, describing Owoicho as a gentle and jovial young man. He said the family was shocked to receive only his corpse after his arrest.
Responding, the OPWS commander who declined to be named expressed regret over the death, stating that the unfortunate outcome of the investigation process was not intentional. He assured the federal lawmaker that an internal inquiry would be launched immediately and anyone found culpable would be held accountable.
Owoicho Ernest, an orphan, is survived by two young sons.
