In a shocking incident that has stirred widespread outrage, the Benue State Police Command has arrested a soldier, Aboy Bonny, in connection with the extrajudicial killing of a young man at the Dangote Cement Plant in Gboko. The tragic event occurred on Monday morning, leaving the local community in turmoil.
Eyewitness reports indicate that the victim, whose identity has yet to be confirmed, was shot through the rear windshield of his car while on his way to work. According to accounts, the soldier opened fire, causing the vehicle to lose control and swerve into a nearby farm. The young man, fatally wounded, slumped from the driver's seat and died instantly.
One eyewitness shared the grim details: The soldier fired through the back screen of his car, and the car veered off the road. He slumped out of the driver’s seat and died on the spot.
The tragic killing sparked immediate outrage among local youths. In a dramatic display of protest, the young man’s body was placed on a Bajaj motorcycle, sandwiched between two protesters, and transported to the Dangote Cement Plant. The youths, fueled by anger, converged at the factory, smashing the windshields of parked vehicles at the plant’s entrance.
In a powerful demonstration of their grief and anger, the body of the slain man was laid at the entrance to the administrative block of the factory, demanding justice for the extrajudicial killing.
The situation escalated rapidly, and the protest threatened to spiral out of control. However, the timely intervention of Verlumun Var, the Chairman of the Gboko Local Government Council, along with community leaders, helped to calm the growing unrest. Authorities engaged with the protesters, urging for peace and promising that justice would be served.
While the arrest of the soldier involved has brought some relief to the grieving community, the larger issue of military-civilian relations in the region is now in the spotlight. The police have not yet disclosed the full details behind the soldier’s actions or the motive for the killing, but investigations are ongoing.
This tragic event has once again raised concerns about extrajudicial killings and the conduct of security forces in civilian areas. The local community is still in shock, demanding accountability and justice for the victim. As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on how the authorities handle the case and ensure that such incidents do not repeat themselves.