NYSC member allegedly beaten to death by vigilantes in Benue

A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), identified as Ben Agir Une, has reportedly died after he was allegedly assaulted by members of a community vigilante group in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, who mistook him for a motorcycle thief.

The Chairman of Buruku LGA, Raymond Aondoakura, confirmed the incident on Thursday while speaking with journalists in Makurdi, describing the development as unfortunate and unacceptable.

He said the incident happened late Sunday night, between 11 p.m. and midnight, at Mbajor settlement close to the Buruku Local Government Secretariat.

According to him, the corps member, who hails from Tongov in Katsina-Ala LGA and was serving in Gombe State, was stopped by vigilante operatives during a night patrol after he was suspected of motorcycle theft.

The situation reportedly worsened before he could properly identify himself or present his NYSC identity card.

Aondoakura added that a leader of the vigilante group allegedly ordered the attack, insisting that the victim was being dishonest about his identity.

Une was said to have been severely beaten and later collapsed into a coma. He was rushed to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead.

The council chairman further disclosed that all individuals linked to the incident have been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

He also announced the suspension of vigilante activities in the area, stating that the groups would remain disbanded until proper regulatory structures are put in place.

Residents of the community revealed that the deceased was expected to complete his national service next month before the tragic incident cut his life short.

Attempts to get a reaction from the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, were unsuccessful as calls and messages were not returned at the time of filing this report.