A repentant bandit, Kyoga Joka, was shot dead on Monday by unidentified gunmen in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incident occurred at the town’s main market, throwing traders and shoppers into panic. Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the busy market and opened fire on Joka, who was reportedly serving with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Ukum.

He was killed on the spot, forcing people to flee the market in fear of further violence.

As of press time, the motive behind the killing remains unclear, and security operatives are yet to release an official statement on the incident.

The killing has heightened concerns over insecurity in the area, which has been grappling with recurrent violent attacks and clashes in recent times.