Tragedy struck in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State on Friday night, June 20, 2025, as unidentified gunmen assassinated Aondoakaa Yaiyol, the local commander of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services.
According to multiple reports, the assailants stormed Yaiyol’s residence in Wannune, the administrative headquarters of Tarka LGA, at night. Eyewitnesses say the attackers arrived on motorcycles and shot Yaiyol at close range.
After the execution, they fired sporadically to create panic in the neighborhood, while fleeing the scene. It was reported that their escape was facilitated by two additional vehicles, whose occupants also fired shots into the air to ward off any pursuit.
This tragic incident adds to a pattern of personal losses suffered by the deceased. Last year, Yaiyol’s wife was also killed under mysterious circumstances, and his home was set ablaze in what authorities believe was a related attack.
The Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Mr. Joseph Har, confirmed the assassination and described it as a deliberate and coordinated act.
“It was clearly an assassination. The gunmen rode on a bike, shot him at close quarters, and fled. They were supported by two vehicles, both firing sporadically to scare off residents,” Har explained.
Providing further context, Har revealed that preliminary investigations suggest a possible connection between Yaiyol’s murder and the earlier attack on his wife.
“Sketchy findings indicate that a criminal who had previously murdered the victim’s wife and burned down their home was imprisoned. Upon his release, a feud reportedly continued between the two, ultimately culminating in this fatal attack.”
The Benue State Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Tim Nyior, also confirmed Yaiyol’s death to Punch newspaper on Saturday.
Nyior noted that the deceased was formerly the PDP chairman in Tarka LGA before assuming his most recent role as commander of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services in the area.
In response to the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Benue State Command, Superintendent Udeme Edet, assured the public that the suspect was already being pursued.
“Once the incident was reported, our officers in Tarka were deployed to track the suspect. Although he narrowly escaped from his hideout before our team arrived, efforts to apprehend him are ongoing and we are confident that he will be captured soon,” Edet said.
As investigations continue, the people of Tarka and the wider Benue community remain in mourning over the loss of a man who had dedicated his life to local security efforts.