Benue Driver Killed in Ambush as Three Soldiers Are Abducted Along Anyiin-Ayilamo Road

A commercial driver identified as Igba Agenewe has been killed after suspected armed men attacked his vehicle 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), Wurukum branch, Anyiin section, was reportedly returning to Makurdi from Anyiin on Monday when the attackers emerged from surrounding bushes and opened fire on his vehicle.

A fellow union member, Iorember Tser, said Agenewe had earlier been warned about the security situation along the route. According to Tser, some drivers advised him against using the Ayilamo road because of concerns linked to the prolonged herder-farmer conflict in the area.

Tser said Agenewe insisted on making the journey, telling fellow drivers that he had just passed through the road. He later picked up three passengers believed to be soldiers and continued towards Makurdi.

The vehicle reportedly came under attack after passing through Akwana, a community along the route to Ayilamo. Tser said the gunmen emerged from the bush and shot Agenewe, who died at the scene.

The three soldiers were reportedly abducted during the attack but later regained their freedom and returned to Anyiin. The incident has nevertheless heightened concerns among motorists and commuters using the Abinsi-Tyulen-Anyiin-Wukari road, particularly the Ayilamo section.

The owner of the Sharon bus, Aondona Tyulen, described the incident as unfortunate and called on security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible. He also urged authorities to strengthen security along the route to protect motorists and commuters.

Agenewe’s remains were reportedly deposited at the Ayilamo mortuary. Attempts to obtain an official response from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, with the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, yet to respond to enquiries at the time of filing.