A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ben Agir, has reportedly lost his life after being brutally assaulted by members of a local vigilante group in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.
Agir, who was serving in Gombe State and was said to be just weeks away from completing his service year, had returned to his hometown on a short visit when the incident occurred.
According to a source, the corps member was apprehended late Sunday night by vigilante operatives who suspected him of being involved in motorcycle theft. He was allegedly beaten without being given the opportunity to properly identify himself or explain his presence.
The source disclosed that the assault continued until he became unconscious. It was only afterward that he was rushed to a hospital, where medical personnel confirmed him dead.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Buruku Local Government Council, Raymond Aondoakura, described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable. He explained that the victim was attacked between 11 p.m. and midnight at Mbajor settlement, near the local government secretariat.
The chairman stated that although Agir attempted to identify himself, one of the vigilante leaders dismissed his claims, leading others to join in the assault until he slipped into a coma.
He further revealed that all individuals involved in the incident have been arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution. Authorities have also verified that the deceased was indeed a serving corps member.
In response to the killing, the council has suspended vigilante activities across the area, noting that stricter measures will be introduced before such groups are allowed to operate again.
