Hunter commander gunned down in Benue

Suspected hired assassins have gunned down Aondoakaa Yayough, Commander of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services (NHFSS), in Benue State.

Witnesses said that the incident happened around 8pm on Friday at Wannune Market in Tarka Local Government Area (LGA).

It was gathered that the gunmen, who rode into the market on a motorcycle, shot Yayough at close range and fled the scene immediately.

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Yayough, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tarka LGA which is the home local government of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, was said to have died on the spot.

Witnesses also said that the deceased’s wife was killed in similar manner last year by allegedly same assassins who trailed Yayough but could not get him at the time.

Spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident, saying the suspected assassin, one Saater Aii, an ex-convict, was disarmed by local security but he escaped.

Edet said: “On the evening of 20/6/2025 at about 20:00 hours, information was received by the police that one Aondoakaa Yayough was shot dead along Akume Road in Wannune, Tarka LGA.

“Swiftly a team of detectives were deployed to the area. Upon arrival, some persons within the area identified the assassin to be one Saater Aii said to be an ex-convict. Suspect was disarmed by local security. Though he managed to escape.

“Two other persons injured at the scene has been taken to the hospital where they are responding to treatment. Detectives are on the trail of the fleeing felon. An AK 47 rifle used in the attack has been recovered by police. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.”