From Attah Ede, Makurdi
A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member identified as Ben Agir Une has been killed in a controversial circumstance in Buruku Local Government Area (LGA), of Benue State.
It was learnt that the late corps member was beaten to death by a local vigilante group after he was allegedly caught with suspected stolen motorcycle in the area.
A source from the area who spoke on condition of anonymity, told journalists in Makurdi on Thursday that, the corp member had a few weeks to his final clearance and a month to his Passing Out Parade (POP) before his death.
The source further said that Une was arrested for by some members of a local vigilante patroling at night in Mbajor community in Buruku LG and on suspecting that he was in possession of a stolen bike, they beat him to coma leading to his death.
When contacted, a Public Relations Officer at NYSC office in Makurdi, Victoria Ogwuche said “the guy may likely be an indigine of Benue but likely serving in Gombe.”
The Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area of Benue state, Raymond Aondoakura, confirmed the incidence.
He therefore condemned the death of the Youth Corps member, Ben Agir Une, following an alleged assault by members of a community vigilante group.
The Council Chairman said “The report came to me on Monday around 4am. The incident happened late hours of Sunday between 11pm and 12 midnight at Mbajor settlement near the Local Government Secretariat.”
He said “From what I gathered they said they caught him and suspected that he was a bike snatcher.
“Before he could explain himself and present his identification card, one of the leaders started beating him claiming that he was not telling them the truth.
“They beat him to coma and seeing his condition they took him to a hospital that night and he died.
“We have arrested all of them and handed them to the police for arraignment. We confirmed that the deceased was a serving corp member.
“We have stopped the activities of local vigilantes in Buruku and disbanded them until proper measures are put in place to check their activities before they are allowed to resume work.”
