By Peter Duru, Makurdi
MAKURDI — A commercial driver, Igba Agenewe, has been killed by suspected armed men along the Anyiin-Ayilamo road in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Three soldiers travelling in his vehicle were also reportedly abducted during the attack but later regained their freedom and returned to Anyiin.
Agenewe, a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Wurukum branch, Anyiin section, was reportedly returning to Makurdi from Anyiin on Monday when the gunmen emerged from the bush and opened fire on his vehicle.
The incident has thrown members of the union and the deceased’s colleagues into mourning.
Agenewe, who operated from Wurukum Park in Makurdi, had earlier driven his Sharon bus to Anyiin with passengers.
A member of the union, Iorember Tser, said the driver had been warned against returning to Makurdi through Ayilamo because of the security situation along the route.
Tser said Agenewe was advised by some drivers in Anyiin that the road was unsafe because of the prolonged conflict in the Ayilamo area.
According to him, Agenewe insisted on returning to Makurdi, saying he had just passed through the route.
Tser said Agenewe subsequently picked up three passengers, who were said to be military personnel, and headed towards Makurdi.
He said the attack occurred after the vehicle passed Akwana, on the way to Ayilamo.
“When he passed a town called Akwana heading towards Ayilamo, unknown gunmen emerged from the bush and shot him. He died on the spot.
“The three soldiers were abducted but later regained freedom and returned to Anyiin,” Tser said.
He said the incident had heightened concerns over the safety of motorists and commuters using the Abinsi-Tyulen-Anyiin-Wukari road, particularly the Ayilamo axis, which he said had witnessed security challenges linked to the prolonged conflict in the area.
The owner of the Sharon bus, Mr Aondona Tyulen, described the killing of Agenewe as unfortunate and appealed to security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
Tyulen also urged the authorities to intensify security operations in the area and ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.
The remains of Agenewe had, as of press time, been deposited at the Ayilamo mortuary.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, had not responded to enquiries on the incident as of press time.
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