The Commander of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, Aondoakaa Yaiyol, has been assassinated by unknown gunmen on Friday night.
Yaiyol, who previously served as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tarka LGA, was reportedly shot at close range by assailants who arrived on a motorcycle.
Second Family Tragedy
This tragic incident comes barely a year after Yaiyol lost his wife in similar circumstances. During that earlier attack, his house was also razed to the ground.
Tim Nyior, the state Publicity Secretary of PDP, confirmed the incident on Saturday, stating, "It's true that the man was once PDP chairman in Tarka LGA before his current position as Commander of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services in Tarka. Unfortunately, his wife was killed just last year."
Details of the Attack
Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, described the killing as a targeted assassination.
"They came on a bike and shot him at close quarters and fled. After they shot the guy, they fired sporadically to scare others and then fled on a bike and they were shielded by two cars also firing sporadically to scare away people," Har explained.
Preliminary investigations suggest the attack may be connected to an ongoing feud. According to Har, "Sketchy investigation shows that a criminal that attacked and killed the deceased's wife and burnt the house was sent to prison. On his return both of them were chasing each other until this happened."
Police Response
DSP Udeme Edet, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident and stated that law enforcement officers are actively pursuing the suspects.
"The incident is confirmed. Immediately police in Tarka received the report, a team of officers was detailed to arrest him and they trailed him to his hideout but escaped before officers could reach there," Edet said, assuring that the perpetrators would soon be apprehended.
This assassination adds to the growing security concerns in Benue State, which has faced various forms of violence in recent years.
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