A suspected bandit was killed by an angry mob in the early hours of Sunday after gunmen attacked Tse-Nor village in Harga District of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State.
According to reports, the attack occurred around 3:00 a.m. when armed men stormed the community and began shooting, leaving one resident injured.
The victim, identified as Iorsue Ukande, sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh during the assault but is currently receiving medical treatment. Medical sources indicate his condition is stable.
Community Response and Mob Action
In response to the attack, youths from the village quickly mobilized and pursued the assailants. They managed to apprehend one of the gunmen while others fled the scene under pressure from the pursuing villagers.
The captured suspect was beaten to death by the enraged mob. His body was later transported to the General Hospital in Katsina-Ala, where medical personnel confirmed him dead on arrival.
Authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the deceased suspect as investigations continue into the incident.
Rising Insecurity in Benue
This incident adds to the growing concerns about security challenges in Benue State, particularly in rural communities that have experienced repeated attacks from armed groups in recent years.
The Katsina-Ala area has been particularly vulnerable to banditry and other forms of violent crime, with local communities increasingly resorting to self-defense measures in the absence of adequate security protection.
Security experts have expressed concern about the rise in mob justice incidents, which, while reflecting community frustration with insecurity, raise serious human rights and rule of law concerns.
BenriNews has reached out to local security agencies for comments on the incident and measures being taken to enhance security in the area.
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