Yayough Aondoakaa, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, was shot and killed on Friday in what locals believe was a targeted assassination.
The incident occurred at Wannune Market, a popular commercial hub in the area, plunging the community into shock and fear.
Gunmen Storm Market on Motorcycles
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants—believed to be hired gunmen—rode into the market on motorcycles, asking specific questions about Aondoakaa’s location. Once they identified him, the attackers reportedly shot him at close range, killing him instantly before speeding off, leaving behind chaos and panic.
“They came on bikes, asked people where he was, and once they spotted him, they shot him dead without hesitation,” said a resident who witnessed the attack.
Previous Assassination Attempt Linked
This was not the first attempt on Aondoakaa’s life. Community sources revealed that a previous attack in 2024 claimed the life of his wife, who was reportedly killed during a failed assassination attempt targeting the former PDP chieftain.
The earlier incident, while not publicly confirmed by security authorities at the time, was widely believed by residents to be politically or personally motivated.
Fear Grips Community as Police Launch Investigation
The brazen daylight killing has left residents of Wannune and surrounding areas in heightened fear, as concerns grow over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Benue State.
As of Saturday morning, no group had claimed responsibility for the murder, and police are yet to officially identify suspects. However, a police source confirmed that an investigation has been launched and security personnel have been deployed to the area.
“We have initiated a full investigation into the incident. No arrests have been made yet, but we are following leads,” a police officer in Benue told reporters under anonymity.
Political Tensions and Security Challenges
Benue State, like many parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has been dealing with rising political violence, assassinations, and communal tensions, especially around election cycles and local power struggles. The killing of Aondoakaa is seen by many as yet another indication of the state’s fragile security environment.
Local leaders and political stakeholders have begun calling for calm and urging security agencies to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice.
