Soldier Arrested for Allegedly Killing Young Man in Benue, Sparks Local Protests

A soldier, identified as Aboy Bonny, has been arrested by the Benue State Police Command for allegedly shooting and killing a young man near the Dangote cement plant in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria.

 The incident occurred on Monday, September 9, when the victim was reportedly shot through the back screen of his car while driving to work, causing the car to veer off the road and crash into a nearby farm, costing him his life.

 Eyewitnesses say the man died instantly after slumping from the driver’s seat.

 Following the incident, local youths, angered by the extrajudicial killing, carried the victim’s body on a motorcycle to the factory entrance in protest, expressing the pain of the death of the man.

 The protesters damaged several vehicles parked at the plant’s entrance, expressing their outrage over the unprovoked killing.

 “The soldier opened fire without reason, and we can’t stand by while our people are treated like this,” said one of the protesters.

Moreover, the situation was eventually brought under control by Gboko Local Government Chairman Verlumun Var and local community leaders, who urged the crowd to remain peaceful. 

 The incident has raised concerns over the conduct of security personnel, with many calling for proper training and accountability within the armed forces to prevent similar occurrences from reoccurring.