Suspect arrested for murder of Benue driver in C’River

A man identified as Adeshina Gilbert has reportedly been arrested for the murder of a Benue driver in Obudu, Cross River State.

The arrest of Gilbert, one of the suspects linked to the gruesome mob killing of Mr Agege Ternenge, a commercial driver from Mbanyam in Mbatyough Council Ward, was confirmed by the chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area, Dennis Guda.

The 35-year-old suspect, a resident of Abonkib community in Obudu Urban, Cross River State, was apprehended by operatives of the Cross River State Police Command following a directive from Commissioner of Police Rashid Afegba.

The arrest is part of a full-scale manhunt launched to apprehend all those involved in the July 18 killing.

Ternenge was reportedly stoned to death by a mob while on duty delivering a waybill in Obudu.

A disturbing video of the assault, which has been circulated widely on social media, triggered public outrage and condemnation nationwide.

Cross River State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, who spoke in Calabar, described the incident as a barbaric and inhumane act, reaffirming the command’s commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice.

Reacting to the development, Chairman Guda praised the swift response of the Cross River Police and urged continued efforts to track down other suspects.

He called on the people of Vandeikya to remain calm, assuring them that justice will be served.

Guda also stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence between communities and cautioned against mob justice, emphasising that only the security agencies are empowered to enforce the law.

Investigation into the killing is ongoing.