Dangote Truck

Author: Gist Correspondent

A Dangote truck driver and a woman have been found dead inside a company truck along the Kyado–Jootar Road in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, in what security sources suspect was an attack by armed criminal militia.

The victims were reportedly discovered during a night patrol by troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE at about midnight on August 13.

According to a report by security analyst Zagazola Makama, soldiers on patrol came across the truck, with registration number OPL-1B-029, parked at Igbayima and found the two occupants dead inside.

A security source said preliminary investigations suggest the victims were killed by suspected criminal Tiv militia members believed to be involved in kidnapping and other violent crimes in the area.

The identity of the woman and the circumstances surrounding her presence in the truck had yet to be established as of the time of the report.

Troops recovered 11 empty 7.62mm special ammunition shells from the scene, indicating that firearms were used in the attack.

The bodies were evacuated to the mortuary in Kyado, while the incident was reported to the police for further investigation.

Security operatives have launched a manhunt for those responsible for the killings.