A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ben Agir Une, has been allegedly killed by a community vigilante group in Buruku Local Government Area of 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, condemning 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 of the incident.
He explained that Une was intercepted by members of the vigilante group during a routine night patrol on suspicion of being involved in motorcycle theft.
The situation reportedly escalated before he could properly identify himself or present his NYSC identification.
The chairman disclosed that one of the vigilante leaders allegedly initiated the assault, insisting the victim was being deceptive.
Une was beaten severely and fell into a coma. He was later taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
Aondoakura said all those involved have been arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution.
He also announced the immediate suspension of vigilante operations in the area, stating 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 his life was cut short.
Efforts to reach the police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.
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