Gunmen Kill Driver and Abduct Soldiers on Benue Road

A commercial driver named Igba Agenewe was killed by armed men while driving along the Anyiin-Ayilamo road in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident happened on Monday as Agenewe was returning to Makurdi from Anyiin with three soldiers as passengers.

Agenewe, who was a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, had been warned about the dangers of the route due to ongoing security issues. A fellow union member, Iorember Tser, said that drivers had advised Agenewe against using the Ayilamo road because of the risks associated with the long-standing conflict between herders and farmers in the area.

Despite the warnings, Agenewe decided to proceed, stating he had previously traveled that way. While passing through a town called Akwana, gunmen emerged from the bushes and opened fire on his vehicle, killing him instantly. The three soldiers were taken hostage but later managed to escape and returned to Anyiin.

This attack has raised alarms about the safety of travelers on the Abinsi-Tyulen-Anyiin-Wukari road, especially the Ayilamo section, which has been plagued by security issues. The owner of the vehicle, Aondona Tyulen, expressed his sorrow over the loss of his driver and urged security forces to take action against the attackers.

As of now, Agenewe’s body has been taken to the Ayilamo mortuary. Attempts to get a comment from the Benue State Police were unsuccessful, as their spokesperson had not responded to inquiries regarding the incident.