Tragedy in Benue: Two Arrested for Mob Killing of NYSC Member Over False Theft Allegation
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects following the brutal mob killing of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Mr. Benjamin Msughaondo, who was lynched based on a false accusation.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, disclosed the details of the heartbreaking incident during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Makurdi.
According to the police, the tragedy unfolded around midnight on Sunday at the Major settlement, situated near the Buruku Local Government Secretariat.
A group of hoodlums reportedly accosted Mr. Msughaondo, accusing him of stealing a motorcycle. Without any formal investigation or verification, the mob descended on the corps member, beating him to death.
Preliminary investigations by the police have since exonerated the deceased. DSP Udeme revealed that documents found for the motorcycle proved unequivocally that Mr. Msughaondo was its rightful owner.
“He was wrongly accused of stealing a motorcycle, and without verifying the claim, he was mobbed to death,” Udeme stated, highlighting the horrific nature of the extrajudicial killing.
She added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects, assuring that a thorough investigation would be carried out to ensure all those involved are brought to justice.(NAN)