A tragic incident has occurred in Benue State, where a young man identified as Ben Agir lost his life after being attacked by a local vigilante group. The group suspected him of stealing a motorcycle, leading to a fatal beating that occurred late Sunday night, April 19, in Buruku Local Government Area.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, Agir was stopped by vigilantes during a night patrol in a community settlement. The vigilantes accused him of motorcycle theft. Sources in the area said the situation quickly turned violent as the vigilantes reportedly did not give him enough time to explain himself before attacking him. “They beat him and did not give him any opportunity to explain himself,” one source told Vanguard. The beating reportedly continued until he lost consciousness.
Official Confirmation
The Chairman of Buruku LGA, Raymond Aondoakura, confirmed the incident, explaining that the attack happened between 11 pm and midnight. He said, “Before he could properly identify himself and present his ID card, one of the vigilante leaders began beating him, insisting he was lying. Others joined, and he was beaten into a coma.” According to him, the group later realized the severity of his condition and rushed him to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
Conflicting Reports on Corps Member Status
There are slightly different accounts about Agir’s status as a corps member. While the local chairman and Vanguard reported that he was a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps posted to Gombe State and was home on a short break, the NYSC spokesperson in Benue, Veronica Ogwuche, told The Punch that preliminary findings suggest he was not serving in Benue and may have been posted elsewhere.
Aftermath and Arrests
The council chairman described the killing as “unfortunate and avoidable,” and confirmed that all those involved have been arrested and handed over to the police. In response to the incident, authorities have also suspended vigilante activities in the area. The chairman said stricter measures would be put in place before such groups are allowed to operate again.
Previous Tragic Incidents Involving Corps Members
This incident is not isolated. Previously, a newlywed corps member, Ibrahim Haruna Abdulkareem, was killed in a reprisal attack in Jos, Plateau State, just 48 hours before completing his NYSC programme. The 31-year-old, who served at a private school, was reportedly attacked in Anguwan Rukuba while working part-time as an okada rider to support his seven-month pregnant wife and family. His family confirmed he had become their main provider after his father’s death.
In another news, an NYSC member stunned social media users after revealing he saved his entire N77,000 monthly allowance for 12 months without spending it during his service year. The corps member, identified as @EGBON_EMMA, shared a screenshot showing a total balance of N945,279.81, explaining that the extra amount came from bank interest accumulated over the savings period.
