Benue: Outrage as vigilantes beat serving NYSC member to death

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

A serving corps member, identified as Ben Agir, has reportedly been beaten to death by members of a local vigilante group in Buruku Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

Agir, who was said to be serving in Gombe State and had only a few weeks left before his final clearance, had returned home on a short holiday when the tragic incident occurred.

A source in the area disclosed that the young man was allegedly arrested late Sunday night by vigilante members who mistook him for a motorcycle thief.

“The vigilante group arrested him late Sunday night and accused him of being a motorcycle snatcher. They beat him and did not give him any opportunity to explain himself.

“They continued beating him until he lost consciousness. It was only after that they rushed him to a hospital where he was confirmed dead,” he said.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Buruku Local Government Council, Raymond Aondoakura, condemned the actions of the vigilante group, describing the killing as unfortunate and avoidable.

He said, “The report got to me on Monday at about 4 am. The incident occurred late Sunday night, between 11 pm and midnight, at Mbajor settlement near the Local Government Secretariat.

“From what I gathered, they apprehended him on suspicion of being a bike snatcher. Before he could properly identify himself and present his ID card, one of the vigilante leaders began beating him, insisting he was lying. Others joined, and he was beaten into a coma.

“When they realised the severity of his condition, they took him to a hospital, where he was later confirmed dead,” he added.

The Council Chairman further disclosed that all those involved in the act had been arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution.

“We have arrested all those involved and handed them over to the police for arraignment. We also confirmed that the deceased was indeed a serving corps member,” he added.

Aondoakura also announced the immediate suspension of vigilante activities in the area. “We have stopped the operations of vigilante groups in Buruku and disbanded them.

“Proper measures will be put in place to regulate their activities before they can resume,” he said.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.