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, in a violent attack that also led to the abduction of three soldiers travelling in his vehicle. The incident occurred on Monday as Agenewe was returning to Makurdi from Anyiin, where he had dropped off passengers after operating his Sharon bus from Wurukum Park. He was a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Wurukum branch, Anyiin section, and had been warned against using the Ayilamo route due to ongoing security threats linked to the herder-farmer conflict in the area.
According to Iorember Tser, a union colleague, Agenewe ignored safety advice despite warnings from fellow drivers about the dangers of the road. “When he got to Anyiin, he wanted to return to Makurdi. Some drivers told him that the road was not safe because of the prolonged suspected herder-farmer crisis in Ayilamo, which is a 10-minute drive from Anyiin. He, however, insisted on returning to Makurdi, saying, ‘I just passed through the road,’” Tser recounted. After picking up three soldiers as passengers, Agenewe proceeded towards Makurdi, only to be ambushed shortly after passing through Akwana, a community along the route.
The attackers emerged from the bush and opened fire, killing Agenewe instantly. The three soldiers were abducted but later released and returned to Anyiin, according to Tser. His death has sent shockwaves through the transport community, plunging colleagues and union members into mourning. The owner of the Sharon bus, Mr. Aondona Tyulen, described the incident as unfortunate and called on security agencies to investigate and apprehend those responsible. He urged authorities to enhance security along the Abinsi-Tyulen-Anyiin-Wukari corridor, especially the Ayilamo section, which has become increasingly dangerous due to persistent insecurity.
As of the time of reporting, Agenewe’s body had been deposited at the Ayilamo mortuary, awaiting further arrangements. Attempts to reach the Benue State Police Command for official comment proved unsuccessful, with Police Public Relations Officer DSP Peter Aondongu not responding to enquiries. The attack underscores growing concerns among motorists and commuters who rely on this route daily, highlighting the urgent need for improved security measures to prevent future tragedies. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by road users in parts of Benue State affected by protracted conflicts and criminal activities.
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