A Dangote truck driver and a woman have been killed in a suspected attack by criminal elements 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 security analyst Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred around midnight on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
According to the source, 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 reportedly indicated that the victims had been killed by a gang of suspected criminal militias allegedly involved in kidnapping for ransom in the area.
The identity of the woman and the circumstances surrounding her presence inside the truck were not immediately known.
The troops reportedly recovered 11 empty 7.62mm Special ammunition casings from the scene, suggesting that firearms were used during the attack.
Following the discovery, the bodies were evacuated to a mortuary in Kyado, while the incident was formally reported to the police for further investigation.
Security personnel have commenced efforts to identify and track down those responsible for the attack.
The incident has renewed concerns over the security situation along the Kyado-Jootar axis, where criminal elements have reportedly targeted motorists and other road users.
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke are expected to sustain night patrols and other security operations along the route as efforts continue to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
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