NYSC member allegedly beaten to death by vigilante in Benue

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A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ben Agir Une, has been allegedly beaten to death by a community vigilante group in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State after he was mistaken for a motorcycle thief.

 

Chairman of Buruku LGA, Raymond Aondoakura, confirmed the incident on Thursday in Makurdi, describing the killing as tragic and unjustifiable.

 

According to him, the incident occurred late Sunday night between 11 p.m. and midnight at Mbajor settlement, near the Buruku Local Government Secretariat.

 

Aondoakura said the deceased, an indigene of Tongov in Katsina-Ala LGA, was serving in Gombe State at the time.

 

He explained that Une was intercepted by members of the vigilante group during a routine patrol over suspicion of motorcycle theft, but the situation escalated before he could properly identify himself or present his NYSC documents.

 

The council chairman disclosed that one of the vigilante leaders allegedly initiated the assault, insisting the victim was being deceptive.

 

Une was reportedly beaten into a coma and later confirmed dead at a hospital.

 

Aondoakura said all suspects have been arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution.

 

He also announced the immediate suspension of vigilante activities in the area, adding that the groups have been disbanded pending the establishment of proper regulatory measures.

 

Residents said the deceased was due to complete his national service next month before the incident.

 

Efforts to get a response from the police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.