A commercial driver, identified as Igba Agenewe, has been shot dead by suspected gunmen along the Anyiin-Ayilamo road in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Agenewe, a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), was reportedly returning to Makurdi from Anyiin when the attackers emerged from the bush and opened fire on his vehicle.
The driver was said to have been warned by fellow motorists about the security situation along the Ayilamo route but proceeded with his journey. He reportedly picked up three passengers believed to be soldiers before continuing towards Makurdi.
According to a union member, Iorember Tser, the attackers struck after the vehicle passed Akwana, a community along the route. Agenewe was shot and died at the scene, while the three soldiers were reportedly abducted.
The soldiers were later said to have regained their freedom and returned to Anyiin.
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The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of motorists and commuters using the Abinsi-Tyulen-Anyiin-Wukari road, particularly the Ayilamo axis, which has experienced security challenges linked to the prolonged conflict in the area.
The owner of the vehicle, Aondona Tyulen, condemned the killing and appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.
Agenewe’s remains have reportedly been deposited at the Ayilamo mortuary.
As of the time of the report, attempts to obtain an official reaction from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful.
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