Gunmen have reportedly assassinated the former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, Aondoakaa Yaiyol. The tragic incident occurred on Friday night, just one year after the murder of his wife under similar violent circumstances.
Yaiyol, until his death, served as the Commander of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services (NHFSS) in the local government. He was shot at close range by unidentified assailants who arrived on a motorcycle and fled the scene after firing multiple shots to scare onlookers.
Confirming the incident, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Benue State, Mr. Tim Nyior, said in a telephone interview:
“It’s true that the man was once PDP chairman in Tarka LGA before his current position as commander of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services in Tarka. Unfortunately, his wife was killed just last year.”
Adding to the confirmation, the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, described the act as a targeted killing.
“It was an assassination of the Commander of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services, Aondoakaa Yaiyol. They came on a bike and shot him at close quarters and fled,” Har said.
> “After they shot the guy, they fired sporadically to scare others and then fled on a bike. They were shielded by two cars also firing sporadically to scare away people.”
According to Har, early investigation suggests a potential link between Yaiyol’s death and the previous attack on his family.
“Sketchy investigation shows that a criminal who attacked and killed the deceased’s wife and burnt their house was sent to prison. On his return, both he and Yaiyol were chasing each other until this happened,” Har added.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Benue State, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident and provided an update on the manhunt for the suspect.
“The incident is confirmed. Immediately, police in Tarka received the report, and a team of officers was detailed to arrest him. They trailed him to his hideout, but he escaped before officers could reach there.”
DSP Edet assured the public that the police are intensifying efforts to bring the suspect to justice:
“We’re still on his trail and are confident of apprehending him soon.”
The killing of Yaiyol has once again raised questions about the increasing insecurity in Benue State and the safety of individuals serving in security roles. Community members have expressed fear over the recurring nature of such targeted attacks.
The late Yaiyol’s contributions, both as a political leader and as a commander with the NHFSS, had been notable in his local government. His tragic death has sent shockwaves across the community, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his assassination.
