NYSC member killed in Benue community
A member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Comrade Une Benjamin Agir, travelling to his home state was intercepted and killed in Buruku town , Buruku Local Government area
A member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Comrade Une Benjamin Agir, travelling to his home state was intercepted and killed in Buruku town , Buruku Local Government area in Benue state.
The Nation learnt that the late Comrade Agir had merely one month remaining to complete his national service, filled with aspirations and purpose, when he traveled to Benue State, his homeland, unaware that it would be his final journey.
He was serving in Taraba State which shares boundary with Benue State, and hails from Une, Tongov, Katsina Ala Local Government Area in Benue North East Senatorial district.
While traversing Buruku Local Government Area, he sought temporary refuge with some members of a local vigilante group due to inclement weather.
In a display of goodwill, he purchased drinks for the group. Regrettably, this act of kindness led to his death, as the vigilante group without credible investigation, falsely accused him of motorcycle theft, a claim he vehemently denied, presenting his NYSC ID card and valid documentation as evidence of ownership of the bike.
The group assumed the role of a judge and executioner, subjecting him to severe physical abuse and torture.
As his condition deteriorated, he was eventually conveyed to a police station and subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
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In a bid to conceal the truth, the vigilante group tried to mislead his family, attributing his demise to an accident.
It was later confirmed that he succumbed to fatal injuries inflicted on him during the beating.
Furthermore, his personal effects, including the motorcycle and ₦170,000, were stolen.
Reacting to the incident, the deceased’s parents said: "It is imperative to reiterate that Comrade Une Benjamin Agir was not a malefactor; he was an upright young man with an unblemished record, deserving of protection rather than extrajudicial punishment.”
According to the parents who were in court where the suspects were remanded in custody, "This tragedy is not only a personal calamity but also an affront on justice, highlighting systemic failures and the perils of mob violence and lawlessness.
"We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into the vigilante group's actions in Buruku Local Government Area.
"We call upon the government, human rights organisations, civil society, and all Nigerians to unite in ensuring that justice is served and this case is not relegated to obscurity.”
