Benue: Suspected gunmen shoot commercial driver dead on Anyiin-Ayilamo road
A commercial driver, Igba Agenewe, was killed by suspected armed assailants along the Anyiin-Ayilamo road in the Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident occurred on Monday as Agenewe was traveling back to Makurdi after making a trip to Anyiin.
During the attack, three soldiers traveling in Agenewe’s vehicle were reportedly abducted but later managed to return to safety.
Agenewe, a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) from the Wurukum branch, had previously transported passengers to Anyiin before beginning his return journey. Union member Iorember Tser indicated that there had been warnings about the road’s safety due to escalating security issues related to a prolonged herder-farmer conflict in the area.
“Agenewe was advised not to use the Ayilamo route, but he insisted on returning to Makurdi, claiming the road was safe as he had just been on it,” Tser said.
Reports indicate that after Agenewe picked up three passengers, presumed to be soldiers, they were attacked shortly after passing the community of Akwana on their way towards Ayilamo. Tser recounted that unknown gunmen emerged from the bushes and shot Agenewe, who died at the scene.
Following this incident, concerns have heightened among motorists and commuters using the Abinsi-Tyulen-Anyiin-Wukari road, particularly the Ayilamo segment, which has been affected by ongoing security challenges.
The owner of the Sharon bus, Aondona Tyulen, described the event as tragic and called on security agencies to locate and apprehend those responsible for Agenewe’s death. He also urged authorities to enhance security measures along the route to protect travelers and ensure that justice is served.
As of the latest updates, Agenewe’s body has been taken to the Ayilamo mortuary. Efforts to secure an official comment from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, and there was no response from Police Public Relations Officer DSP Peter Aondongu as of press time.
