Armed bandits operating in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State have reportedly commenced the collection of taxes and levies from residents of Torough and nearby communities.
According to reports, Torough community residents are now selling their farm produce to raise a N20 million monthly tax slammed on them by the bandits or face attack.
Sources in the community told journalists that the local militias have threatened to attack the community if the money is not paid in the next few days.
In order to meet the deadline, residents of the community have shared the levy, with each house to contribute N50,000.
One of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being killed said, “Already, the money has been shared according to household, but the least amount is N50,000.
“Some have started disposing of their farm produce and livestock to raise the levy, while others have contacted their relatives outside to raise the levy so as to avert the attack of the bandits.”
The source added that nobody in the village, including the village head, would dare report the matter to the security so as not to anger the bandits.
Another source hinted that the authority of the local government is aware of the development.
Ukum LGA is the flashpoint of criminality in the state.
Recall that the state Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, as well as past local government chairmen, have at one time been kidnapped in the local government.
When contacted, chairman of the local government, Victor Iorzaa, confirmed the development and said that he had reported the situation to the police and state security council.
The chairman identified a notorious militia leader, Full Fire, as the person behind the development
Iorzaa said, “The report is true, and the person behind it is Full Fire. He was the person that connived with Fulani recently to attack our people; he has been working with Fulani people and terrorising the area for the past five years.
“I have reported the matter to the police and also the state security council. Full Fire lives at the border community with Taraba State. ”esds
While commending the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, for his efforts at combating crime in the state, the local government chairman also applauded security operatives for curtailing the excesses of the militias.
He added, “But security operatives are doing their best to curtail them.”
Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, said the police are unaware of the development.
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