Family discovers decomposing body of retired Benue judge

Gunmen are said to have slain Justice Margaret Igbetar, a retired President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Makurdi, Benue State.

Her son discovered her remains on Thursday at her home on Wantor Kwange Street, adjacent the School of Medicine, Benue State University, Gboko Road.

According to a family member, the corpse had begun decaying by the time it was discovered.

According to the source, a murder case has been submitted to Makurdi’s “E” Division Police Station.

“Her corpse appears to be deteriorating at the time it was discovered, implying she was slain before yesterday (Thursday),” the insider said.

Daniel Ezeala, the Divisional Police Officer, could not be reached for comment immediately, but a police source confirmed the occurrence.

“Yes, it’s true,” stated the source. Her deceased body was discovered at her residence yesterday, Thursday, August 24, 2023, but the corpse was not in good condition, implying that it (death) couldn’t have happened yesterday (Thursday), but rather the day before yesterday.

“The son is providing useful information that may lead to the arrest of suspects in connection with the incident.”

According to a police source, attempts are underway to determine the cause of death.

When reached, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, stated that she was on her way back to the state and requested more time to investigate the matter.

As of press time, she has yet to respond to our journalist.

Late Igbetar was born on October 17, 1950, in Mbape, Shangev-ya, Tsar-Mbaduku, Vandeikya Local Government Area, Benue State.

She was married with seven children, including two sons and five girls.

The deceased was a founding member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers in Benue State.