A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ben Agir Une, has been beaten to death by a community vigilante group in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State after he was mistakenly identified as a motorcycle thief.
The tragic incident occurred late Sunday night at Mbajor settlement, near the Buruku council secretariat. Une, who was serving in Gombe State and had only a few weeks left before completing his service year, had reportedly returned home on a short visit when he was attacked.
Chairman of Buruku LGA, Raymond Aondoakura, confirmed the development on Thursday, condemning the killing and describing it as deeply unfortunate.
According to him, the young corps member was apprehended by vigilante members during a night patrol on suspicion of being involved in motorcycle theft. Before he could properly explain himself or present his NYSC identity card, he was allegedly assaulted.
“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,” the chairman said.
Une was reportedly beaten into a coma and later rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
Aondoakura disclosed that those involved in the incident have been arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution. He also announced the immediate suspension of vigilante activities in the area, adding that such groups have been disbanded pending the introduction of proper regulations.
The deceased, an indigene of Tongov in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, was said to be preparing for his final NYSC clearance next month before the incident cut his life short.
As of the time of this report, the Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
