Benue: 2 Arrested for Assaulting Woman Over Market Levy

In the Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, police have arrested and detained two men, Terwase Aye Abere and Mayange Aondowase, for allegedly assaulting a woman over non-payment of market levy. The incident occurred in Igbor village, where the woman, claiming she had no sales and could not pay the levy, was reportedly beaten and dragged by the suspects. The victim was later hospitalized following the incident.

The suspects, identified as volunteers attached to the Gwer East command of the Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG), stated during interrogation that they were acting on instructions from their Ward Commander, Tiletswen, and Ipker. They claimed that after the woman refused to comply with their directive, they were instructed to arrest her, even by force. According to the suspects, they reported back by phone, and the order to arrest her was reaffirmed.

Benue State's Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, condemned the assault and directed that the commanding officers mentioned by the suspects be produced for interrogation. Har explained that eyewitnesses, including a lawyer, reported that the suspects were collecting illegal market tickets from people and that the woman refused to pay or come to the office.

Har emphasized that individuals posing as security officers should not harass or intimidate citizens, as they will ultimately face legal consequences.