A Dangote truck driver and a woman have been killed by suspected criminal militia operating along the Kyado–Jootar road in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were reportedly found dead inside a Dangote truck during a night fighting patrol by troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about midnight on August 13, 2026, when troops conducting a night patrol along the Kyado–Jootar road discovered two lifeless bodies inside a Dangote truck with registration number OPL-1B-029 at Igbayima.
Preliminary findings indicated that the victims had been killed by a gang of suspected criminal Tiv militias believed to be involved in kidnapping for ransom in the area.
The identity of the woman and further details about the circumstances surrounding her presence in the truck were not immediately available.
The troops also recovered 11 empty casings of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the scene, indicating that firearms were used in 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.
Troops are currently working to track down the perpetrators.
The attack point to the grim situation where commercial vehicles and other road users travelling along the Kyado–Jootar axis, where criminal Tiv elements have reportedly continued to target commuters and motorists.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE are expected to sustain night fighting patrols and other security operations along the route to track down the perpetrators, prevent further attacks and reassure residents and road users of their safety.
