CORPS MEMBER DIES AFTER ALLEGED MISIDENTIFICATION BY COMMUNITY VIGILANTES
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By: Fasasi Hammad
A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ben Agir Une, was allegedly killed by a community vigilante group in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State after being mistaken for a motorcycle thief.
The Chairman of Buruku LGA, Raymond Aondoakura, confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi on Thursday, describing the killing as both tragic and unjustifiable.
According to Aondoakura, the incident happened late Sunday night between 11 p.m. and midnight in Mbajor settlement, close to the Buruku Local Government Secretariat.
Une, who hailed from Tongov in Katsina-Ala LGA, was reportedly serving in Gombe State at the time.
The chairman explained that Une was stopped by vigilante members conducting a routine night patrol after they suspected him of involvement in motorcycle theft.
Before he could properly identify himself or present his NYSC identity card, the situation reportedly escalated.
Aondoakura alleged that one of the vigilante leaders initiated the assault, claiming the victim was attempting to mislead them.
Une was severely beaten and later slipped into a coma. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The chairman said those linked to the incident have been arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution.
He also announced the suspension of vigilante activities in the area, adding that the groups have been disbanded pending the introduction of proper regulatory measures.
Residents noted that Une was expected to complete his national service next month before his untimely death.
Attempts to contact the police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered at the time of filing the report.
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