The Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) have arrested two youths, identified as Terwase Aye Abere and Mayange Aondowase, from Igbor Village in Gwer East Local Government Area of the state over the alleged assault of a woman during a dispute at a public market.
The woman was hospitalised following the incident.
According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation began over the collection of market levies. The suspects reportedly approached the woman after she said she had not made any sales and was unable to pay.
Dissatisfied with her explanation, which they interpreted as a refusal, the two men allegedly descended on her in an attempt to compel payment.
An eyewitness immediately reported the matter to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Dr Joseph T. Har, who ordered the arrest of the suspects.
Operatives of the BSCPG promptly carried out the arrest, and both men are now in custody.
In their statements to investigators at the BSCPG facility in Makurdi, Abere and Aondowase claimed they were volunteers attached to the BSCPG Gwer East Command.
They suspects who claimed they were on duty under the supervision of the Ward Commander, Mr Tiletswen, said their commander and a certain Mr Ipker instructed them to invite the woman to their office regarding an unresolved issue. When she refused to comply, they said they reported back by phone and received a second instruction to arrest her “even by force.” They claimed that the directive led to the confrontation that left the woman injured and admitted to hospital.
Reacting to the incident, Dr Har ordered the state commander of the BSCPG to immediately produce the commanders mentioned for interrogation. He also directed that the two suspects be transferred to the Police Headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Har warned individuals who pose as security operatives, especially in rural areas, to desist from such acts.
“The law will catch up with anyone hiding under the cover of security to harass or intimidate citizens. Security personnel must always adhere to the voluntary principles of human rights and security in the discharge of their duties,” he said.
The victim is currently receiving treatment, while investigations into the matter are ongoing.
