Aondoakaa Yaiyol, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman of Tarka Local Government Area in Benue State, was gunned down by unknown assailants on Friday night. He was also the commander of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services (NHFSS) in the same local government before his untimely death.
The tragic incident occurred late in the evening when armed men reportedly rode into the area on a motorcycle.
According to eyewitnesses and officials, the attackers shot Yaiyol at close range and fired multiple rounds into the air before escaping the scene. It was also noted that two vehicles followed closely behind the gunmen, offering cover as they fled by shooting sporadically to scatter residents.
Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs to Governor Hyacinth Alia, confirmed the event. He described the killing as a targeted attack.
“It was an assassination of commander of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services NHFSS, Aondoakaa Yaiyol,” he said. “They came on a bike and shot him at close quarters and fled.”
The former PDP leader had experienced a devastating personal loss last year when his wife was killed in a similar violent attack. Their home was also burned down during that incident.
Sources familiar with both tragedies say a suspect linked to the earlier crime had been jailed but was recently released. On his return, tensions reportedly resurfaced between the ex-convict and Yaiyol, leading to fears of retaliation.
Tim Nyior, PDP’s state publicity secretary, noted the history of Yaiyol’s public service. “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,” he said.
The Benue State Police Command also responded to the killing. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the assassination and assured that efforts to arrest the suspect are ongoing.
“Immediately police in Tarka received the report, a team of officers was detailed to arrest him and they trailed him to his hideout but escaped before officers could reach there,” he stated.
