Pay N20m levy or risk invasion – Bandits order Benue community

Residents of the Torough community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State are selling their farm produce to raise a N20 million tax imposed by bandits to avoid a serious attack.

Sources in the community informed journalists that local militias have threatened an attack if the money is not paid within the next few days. Consequently, residents have been instructed to contribute N50,000 per household.

One anonymous source stated, “The money has been shared according to households, with each required to pay at least N50,000. Some are selling their farm produce and livestock, while others are contacting relatives outside to raise the levy to prevent the bandits’ attack.”

The source added that no one, including the village head, dares report the matter to authorities for fear of provoking the militias. Another source indicated that local government authorities are aware of the situation.

Ukum LGA is notorious for criminal activities, including killings and kidnappings. Prominent individuals, such as the state Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, and past local government chairmen, have been kidnapped there.

Victor Iorzaa, the local government chairman, confirmed the situation and said he had reported it to the police and state security council. He identified a notorious militia leader, Full Fire, as the person behind the demands.

Iorzaa stated, “Full Fire is behind this. He has been working with Fulani people and terrorizing the area for the past five years. He recently connived with them to attack our people. Two weeks ago, the military launched an attack on his house. The community lives in fear, and anyone traveling to the village risks being attacked. I have reported the matter to the police and the state security council.”

He commended the state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and security operatives for their efforts in combating crime in the state, noting that they are doing their best to contain the militias.

However, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, said such a report had not reached the command. The Security Adviser to the Governor, Joseph Har, stated that bandits in the state are on the run and would not have the luxury of collecting taxes from villagers.

Har said, “Bandits worldwide use illegal levies to survive, but only an irresponsible government would allow it to happen. The criminals are facing tough times, and they can’t wait to collect any tax. Most have fled their camps, and we intend to sustain this momentum until we run them down or they surrender. There is a reduction in their impunity, and we will continue this effort.”