See The Huge Amount Bandits Demand from Benue Community to avoid attack
Residents of Torough community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State are scrambling to sell their farm produce to meet a N20 million levy imposed by bandits, who have threatened a violent attack if the payment is not made within days.
Local sources informed journalists that the militias have issued a dire warning, prompting the community to distribute the levy among households, each required to contribute N50,000.
One resident, speaking anonymously due to fear of retribution, stated, “The amount has been divided by household, with the minimum being N50,000. People are selling their farm produce and livestock or reaching out to relatives for financial help to avoid the bandits’ attack.”
The fear of retaliation has deterred anyone, including the village head, from reporting the situation to authorities.
Another insider revealed that local government officials are aware of the situation. Ukum LGA is notorious for criminal activity, including killings and kidnappings. Notable incidents include the kidnapping of the state’s Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, and former local government chairmen.
Local government chairman Victor Iorzaa confirmed the extortion and identified the bandit leader as “Full Fire.” He mentioned that Full Fire has collaborated with Fulani groups to terrorize the area for five years. “Two weeks ago, the military launched an attack on his house,” Iorzaa said, highlighting the ongoing conflict.
Iorzaa reported the extortion to the police and the state security council, noting that Full Fire operates from a border community with Taraba State. He praised the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, and security forces for their efforts to curb militia activities.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, claimed that such an incident had not been reported to the command. However, the Governor’s Security Adviser, Joseph Har, dismissed the notion that bandits could collect taxes, stating that the administration is actively combating banditry and related crimes.
Har commented, “This illegal levy practice by bandits is a global issue used for survival. An irresponsible government would allow such acts. The bandits are facing tough times and can’t afford to wait and collect taxes. Many have fled their camps, and we plan to maintain this momentum until we eliminate them or force their surrender. There is a noticeable reduction in bandit impunity, and we will continue to improve security.”
