Owoicho Ikpeme Sunday, a 25-year-old farmer from Efeyi-Ugboju in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, is fighting for recovery after sustaining a severe gunshot wound during Tuesday’s attack on his community.
According to accounts circulating on social media, a bullet tore through one of Owoicho’s eyes, pierced his skull and damaged his brain. The once vibrant young man now struggles to speak. His words, previously clear, have become broken and incoherent. He can no longer organise his thoughts in a coherent way, not from lack of understanding but because the injury has disrupted his ability to express them.
Owoicho is scheduled for a brain scan and possible surgery. Those close to him say the outcome of these urgent medical steps will determine how much of his former capacity he can regain. His condition remains critical.
Before the attack, Owoicho was described as a quiet, determined young farmer whose simple ambition was to work his land, grow crops, sell produce and provide for himself and his family. He had no history of seeking conflict. The assault left him among the survivors of the incident that claimed 13 lives in Efeyi-Ugboju and left several others injured.
Supporters and community members have called for practical assistance to help him access the medical care he urgently needs, stressing that behind the broader reports of violence are individual lives forever altered.
