Gunmen K!ll Truck Driver, Woman Along Kyado–Jootar Road In Benue Gunmen
Gunmen Kill Truck Driver, Woman Along Kyado–Jootar Road In Benue
Gunmen
The source said that preliminary investigation indicated that the victims were allegedly killed by suspected criminal Tiv militias operating in the area and allegedly involved in kidnapping for ransom.
Armed militias have reportedly killed a truck driver and a woman in an attack along the Kyado–Jootar Road in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, with the victims’ bodies later discovered inside the truck by troops conducting a night patrol.
The incident reportedly occurred around midnight on Thursday, August 13, 2026, when troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE encountered a Dangote truck during a night-fighting patrol around Igbayima in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
According to security analyst and conflict reporter Zagazola Makama, a security source said the soldiers came across the Dangote truck, bearing registration number OPL-1B-029, at Igbayima and found the two victims, including a woman, lifeless inside the vehicle.
The source said that preliminary investigation indicated that the victims were allegedly killed by suspected criminal Tiv militias operating in the area and allegedly involved in kidnapping for ransom.
The identity of the deceased woman remains unknown, while troops reportedly recovered 11 empty casings of 7.62mm Special ammunition at the scene, suggesting that the victims were shot during the attack.
“Following the discovery, the bodies of the deceased were evacuated to the mortuary in Kyado, while the incident was formally reported to the police for further investigation,” the report said.
Security forces have reportedly commenced efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the killings.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over the security situation along the Kyado–Jootar axis, where motorists and other commuters have faced growing risks from armed criminal groups.
The route has reportedly become vulnerable to attacks by suspected criminal elements accused of targeting motorists and abducting travellers for ransom.
