Benue news

One killed as Benue youths battle Ortom over outrageous tax rates

Published

8 years ago

July 30, 2016

In a clear indication that the people of Benue State, particularly the youths are fed up with the Samuel Ortom-led administration, a police officer was reportedly killed and several others injured after youths staged a protest against what they tagged outrageous tax rate imposed on them by the state government.Naomideviva.com reports that the unidentified police officer was allegedly killed by the enraged youths on Friday, in Gaando, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State .

According to reports, the youths blocked the road close to a Dangote Cement Company in Tse-Kucha for over four hours, causing traffic gridlock and leaving motorists stranded.

According to a source, the youths decried the high tax rate imposed by the Ortom-led administration on food produce especially Tomatoes and pepper.

The protest however, became bloody when men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad were deployed to the area to restore calm. The youths who were also said to be armed, were believed to have exchanged bullets with the policemen. The police officer was said to have been killed in the process.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer, Benue Command, ASP Moses Yanu, said 16 suspects have already been arrested and undergoing interrogation.

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