NYSC Member Killed by Vigilantes in Benue After Being Mistaken for Motorcycle Thief

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ben Agir Une, has been killed by a community vigilante group in Buruku Local Government Area, Benue State, after he was allegedly 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 unfortunate and unacceptable.

According to Aondoakura, the incident occurred late on Sunday night, between 11 p.m. and midnight, at Mbajor village, near the Buruku Local Government Secretariat. Une, a native of Tongov in Katsina-Ala LGA, was at the time serving in Gombe State.

The chairman explained that Une was apprehended by vigilante members during a routine nighttime patrol after he was suspected of involvement in motorcycle theft. Tragically, the situation escalated before he could fully identify himself or present his NYSC identity card.

Aondoakura alleged that the attack was instigated by one of the vigilante leaders, who claimed the victim was being dishonest. Une sustained severe injuries and fell into a coma. He was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The chairman confirmed that all persons implicated in the attack have been arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution. He also announced the immediate suspension of vigilante operations in the area, adding that the groups had been dissolved pending the establishment of proper regulatory guidelines.

Residents who spoke on the matter noted that Une was due to complete his national service the following month before his life was cut short.

As of the time of filing this report, calls and messages sent to the police spokeswoman, DSP Udeme Edet, had not been returned.