Members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) have detained Terwase Aye Abere and Mayange Aondowase, both residents of Igbor Village in the Gwer East Local Government Area. The pair stands accused of violently assaulting a woman during a disagreement over market tax collection.
The victim is currently under medical care following the altercation. Witnesses stated that the dispute arose when the woman explained she had not earned enough to pay the required market fee. The suspects reportedly viewed her response as non-compliance and attacked her to force payment.
The incident was brought to the attention of Chief Dr. Joseph T. Har, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, who mandated the suspects’ immediate detention. While in custody in Makurdi, the men identified themselves as BSCPG volunteers. They alleged that their local supervisor, Mr. Tiletswen, and an associate named Mr. Ipker had ordered them to bring the woman in for questioning and to use force if she resisted.
In response, Dr. Har has ordered the interrogation of the cited commanders. Furthermore, the suspects have been handed over to the Police Headquarters to face potential criminal charges. Dr. Har condemned the behavior, emphasizing that security agents must respect human rights and warning that the government will not tolerate individuals using security roles as a facade for intimidation.
