A serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ben Agir Une, has been beaten to death by a community vigilante group in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State after he was allegedly mistaken for a motorcycle thief.

Incident during night patrol

The killing reportedly occurred late Sunday night between 11 pm and midnight at Mbajor settlement, near the Buruku Local Government Secretariat.

Une, said to be serving in Gombe State, had returned home on a short break and was weeks away from completing his service year.

How the attack happened

Chairman of Buruku LGA, Raymond Aondoakura, confirmed the incident on Thursday, stating that the corps member was apprehended by vigilante members during a patrol.

He said the group suspected him of being a bike snatcher and attacked him before he could properly identify himself.

“Before he could explain himself and present his identification card, one of the leaders started beating him,” Aondoakura said.

The chairman added that the victim was beaten into a coma and later died at a hospital.

Arrests made, vigilante activities suspended

Aondoakura confirmed that those involved in the attack have been arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution.

“We have arrested all of them and handed them to the police for arraignment. We confirmed that the deceased was a serving corps member,” he said.

He also announced the immediate suspension of vigilante operations in the area, stating that the groups have been disbanded pending proper regulation.

Victim’s background

Une was an indigene of Tongov in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area and was expected to complete his NYSC programme next month before the incident.

Police yet to comment

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the development.

The incident has sparked concern across communities and is trending in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today amid calls for accountability and justice.