GUNMEN KILL BENUE HUNTER COMMANDER IN ASSASSINATION RAID (Wife previously murdered, suspect linked to both killings now on the run)
Byline:By IDNN Northern Security Correspondent
TARKA, BENUE — Tragedy has again struck the community of Wannune in Benue State, as the Commander of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services in Tarka LGA, Aondoakaa Yaiyol, was assassinated by gunmen late Friday night. The attackers stormed his residence on motorcycles and shot him at close range.
The murder, which has sent shockwaves across the state, is linked to a violent cycle that began last year when Yaiyol’s wife was similarly murdered and their home razed.
Sources reveal that the assailants arrived with tactical coordination—two motorcycles carried out the hit while two getaway cars fired sporadically, creating cover for the escape.
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Security Adviser, Joseph Har, confirmed the incident and classified it as a targeted assassination. Har disclosed that the same individual suspected of murdering Yaiyol’s wife had recently been released from prison—and had resumed a bitter rivalry with Yaiyol prior to the fresh killing.
Governor Hyacinth Alia during a live TV interview where he declared that Benue is now under assault by armed herders without cattle.
“They (the gunmen) came on a bike, shot the commander at close quarters, and fled while shielded by two cars firing to scare away locals,” Har revealed.
Police spokesman Udeme Edet said operatives had already trailed the key suspect to a hideout, but he managed to escape before arrest.
“He is on the run. But we are closing in. He will be apprehended,” Edet vowed.
