Bandits Demand N20m in Monthly Levies and Taxes from Benue Communities

Makurdi — Suspected armed bandits operating in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State have reportedly begun collecting taxes and levies from residents of Torough and nearby communities.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation, disclosed that the gangs introduced a levy of N20 million as a monthly tax, which each household is required to pay. The resident mentioned that the levy is being collected, with each household given their share of the tax, and they had no choice but to comply.

He highlighted the oppressive situation, stating, “We are more or less in bondage here. There is no complete freedom of movement, association, or expression. These militia boys are very deadly and powerful here in our Sankera axis. The entire Sankera area, including Logo, Ukum, and Katsina-Ala LGAs, is affected. These boys have a very strong communication network and monitor everything.”

The resident explained that due to fear, no one, including village heads, dared to challenge the armed gangs or report to security agencies. “You and your family will be eliminated in broad daylight. We are paying the N50,000 levied on each household. Some traditional compounds with many households are levied N1 million,” he added.
Militia Leader Known as ‘Full Fire’ Behind It — LG Chairman
Confirming the situation, Caretaker Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr. Victor Iorzaa, stated, “It is true that armed bandits are taxing the people and are demanding N20 million. I have reported the matter to the police and the State Security Council. The person behind this is a bandit known as ‘Full Fire.’ He recently conspired with armed herdsmen to attack Tiv people and has been terrorizing the area for the past five years. The government of Governor Hyacinth Alia is working hard to put an end to their activities, and security operatives are also actively involved.”

He added that ‘Full Fire’ operates from a community bordering Taraba State and that the military had launched an attack on his house two weeks ago.

Security Adviser: We’ve Decimated Them

Reacting to the situation, Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Joseph Har, stated that bandits are already on the run and could not possibly be collecting taxes from villagers. He noted, “The issue of illegal levies has become a common practice with bandits worldwide because they use it to survive. However, no government will allow that callous thing to happen. The criminals have been having a very tough time recently and are on the run. Most of them have fled their camps, and we intend to sustain the momentum until we run them down or they surrender.”

Police Response

Police Public Relations Officer Catherine Anene said the Command had not received any reports of the development.