Comrade Une Benjamin Agir, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Taraba State, was killed by a vigilante group in Buruku town, Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, one month before completing his national service.

Agir, who hails from Une, Tongov, Katsina Ala Local Government Area in Benue North East Senatorial District, had travelled to Benue State when he sought temporary shelter from a local vigilante group due to bad weather. In a gesture of goodwill, he purchased drinks for the group.

The act of kindness proved fatal. Without any credible investigation, the vigilante group accused him of motorcycle theft, a claim he denied, presenting his NYSC identity card and valid documentation as evidence of ownership of the bike. The group proceeded to subject him to severe physical abuse and torture.

As his condition deteriorated, he was taken to a police station and subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His personal belongings, including the motorcycle and 170,000 naira, were stolen by the group.

In an attempt to conceal their actions, the vigilante group misled his family, attributing his death to an accident. It was later confirmed that he died from injuries sustained during the beating.

Suspects have since been remanded in custody, and his parents, speaking from the court, demanded accountability and a transparent investigation.

"It is imperative to reiterate that Comrade Une Benjamin Agir was not a malefactor; he was an upright young man with an unblemished record, deserving of protection rather than extrajudicial punishment," his parents stated.

They described the incident as a systemic failure and called for urgent action against mob violence.

"This tragedy is not only a personal calamity but also an affront on justice, highlighting systemic failures and the perils of mob violence and lawlessness. We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into the vigilante group's actions in Buruku Local Government Area. We call upon the government, human rights organisations, civil society, and all Nigerians to unite in ensuring that justice is served and this case is not relegated to obscurity," they added.