GBOKO, Benue State — The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area, Torseer Yina, has imposed an immediate dusk-to-dawn curfew following a violent protest by commercial motorcycle operators over the killing of one of their members by unidentified gunmen.
The council also announced the immediate suspension of the leadership of the Benue Motorcycle Hirers Association (BEMOA), Gboko branch, following Thursday’s unrest, which reportedly resulted in the burning of two vehicles belonging to the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
The decisions were announced in a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by the Secretary of the Gboko Local Government Security Council, Vincent Akaakohol Nev.
According to the statement, the curfew took effect immediately to contain the unrest and prevent further breakdown of law and order in the town.
The council chairman warned residents against violating the restriction, saying anyone caught breaching the curfew or disturbing public peace would face decisive action.
However, the directive exempted persons and vehicles involved in essential services.
Killing Of Motorcycle Operator Triggers Protest
The unrest followed the reported killing of a commercial motorcycle operator in Gboko by unknown gunmen.
Vanguard reported that the rider was allegedly shot at close range in the Gboko South area on Wednesday night, after which his motorcycle was reportedly taken away by the assailant.
The killing sparked anger among members of BEMOA, who took to the streets on Thursday morning to demand action over the death of their colleague.
According to Akaakohol Nev, the protest was initially linked to the killing but later turned violent after suspected hoodlums allegedly hijacked the demonstration.
The protesters reportedly marched to the office of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards along Shaahu Road, where two vehicles belonging to the security outfit were set ablaze.
Protesters Question Security Personnel
Reports indicated that some protesters suspected the Civil Protection Guards were connected to the killing because of the type of ammunition allegedly used in the shooting.
However, the allegation had not been established, and no official finding identifying the perpetrators had been announced in the reports available.
The incident raised concerns about the risk of public anger escalating into violence before investigations into the original killing could be completed.
Vanguard also reported that the council received information that a rifle might have been stolen from the Civil Protection Guards’ office during the attack. The alleged theft was said to be under police investigation.
The authorities have not publicly established who was responsible for the reported killing or the subsequent destruction of property.
Council Suspends BEMOA Leadership
In addition to imposing the curfew, Yina ordered the immediate suspension of the BEMOA leadership in Gboko.
The council did not announce a detailed timetable for the suspension or explain whether further administrative measures would follow.
The action came as the local government sought to contain the unrest and prevent another confrontation between protesters and security personnel.
The chairman also directed residents to comply with the curfew and warned against actions capable of undermining public peace.
Security Agencies Face Pressure To Restore Calm
The latest development places renewed attention on security in Gboko, where residents are now expected to comply with the movement restrictions while authorities investigate the killing and the violence that followed.
The immediate priority for the local government and security agencies is to prevent further attacks, protect lives and property, and establish the circumstances surrounding both the motorcycle operator’s death and the destruction of the guards’ vehicles.
The curfew will remain an important part of the council’s response until authorities provide further guidance on its duration and enforcement.
Meanwhile, the suspension of the motorcycle association’s leadership signals the council’s attempt to address the unrest at the organisational level while investigations continue.
