Benue Ex-Customary Court President’s Body Found with Multiple Stab Wounds

Former President of the Benue State Customary Court of Appeal, Mrs. Margaret Igbeta, has been discovered deceased at her residence on Wantor Kwange Street in the urban center of Makurdi, Benue State.

According to a report from ThePressNG.com, available information suggests that Igbeta was purportedly killed on August 24, 2023, by unidentified assailants.

In response, the local police have initiated a comprehensive investigation to apprehend those responsible for Igbeta’s untimely demise.

The precise circumstances surrounding the retired Judge’s demise remain uncertain, making it challenging to confirm whether she was shot or stabbed by her assailants. She was found in her residence in a distressing condition, with her surroundings stained by her blood.

When approached for comment, SP Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Benue State Command, conveyed that she was en route back to the state and requested some time to gather accurate details regarding the incident.

“I will need to reach the area and gain a clear understanding of the situation,” the PPRO stated in a text message.

The Divisional Police Officer, (DPO), SP Daniel Ezeala, could not be reached for comments, but a reliable police source confirmed the incident saying, “Yes, it’s true. Yesterday, Thursday, August 24, 2023, her lifeless body was discovered in her house but the corpse was not looking too okay again meaning that it couldn’t have happened yesterday, may be day before yesterday.”

Late Mrs Margaret Igbetar was born October 17,1950, in Mbape, Shangev-ya, Tsar-Mbaduku, in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue state.

She was married with seven children; two sons and five daughters.

She started her career as the Assistant Registrar, Grade I at the Area Court, Katsina- Ala, Benue State, 1971, worked at NYSC, Ministry of Justice, Minna, Niger State, 1976, Pupil State Counsel, ministry of Justice, Benue State, 1976-77, and rose to the position of Co-ordinator, Customary Court of Appeal, The Judiciary, Benue State, 1993-95.

She was further appointed Judge, Customary Court of Appeal, a position she held from 1995 to 2003.

Late Justice Igbeta was the founding member of International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA), Benue state, a life member, first Chairperson of FIDA Benue branch and a National Trustee of the association.