Soldier arrested for killing youth in Benue, sparks protest at Dangote Cement Plant

The Benue State Police Command has arrested a soldier in connection with the extrajudicial killing of a young man at the Dangote Cement Plant in Gboko on Monday.

The Area Commander of the Gboko Police, Edmund Afraimu, confirmed the arrest, identifying the soldier as Aboy Bonny, one of the military personnel stationed at the cement plant. The reason for the killing is still unclear.

Eyewitnesses reported that the youth, driving a red Toyota Carina 2, was fatally shot through the back window of his car by Bonny between 6 and 7 a.m. on his way to work. Following the shooting, the car veered off the road and crashed into a nearby farm. The victim died on the spot, slumping out of the driver’s seat.

Angry youths, along with the family of the deceased, gathered at the scene, placing the body near the entrance of the factory in protest. Some protesters damaged vehicles parked around the premises before the intervention of local government officials and community leaders helped to calm the crowd.

Louise Raj, the Plant Director, expressed frustration over the actions of the soldiers guarding the factory, stating they were not under the company’s control. Villagers also shared grievances, accusing the soldiers of extortion and highhanded behavior.

Community leaders, including the President of the Jemgbagh Development Association, Prince Yandev Amaabai, and local traditional rulers, have called for calm while promising to address the situation.