Two Men Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Woman Over Unpaid Market Levy in Benue
Two men have been arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman over the non-payment of a market levy in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred at a public market on Monday, August 10, 2026.
The suspects, identified as Terwase Aye Abere and Mayange Aondowase, both from Igbor village in Gwer East, were arrested by operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG).
Comrade Mfa Igirgi Jnr., Media Aide to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Dr. Joseph T. Har, confirmed the incident in a statement.
According to the statement, the woman was hospitalised following the alleged assault.
An eyewitness reportedly said the confrontation started during the collection of market levies. The suspects allegedly approached the woman after she explained that she had not made any sales and therefore could not afford to pay the levy.
The explanation was reportedly interpreted as a refusal to pay, after which the two men allegedly assaulted her in an attempt to force her to make the payment.
An eyewitness subsequently reported the incident to the Special Adviser, who directed the immediate arrest of the suspects.
BSCPG operatives acted on the directive and arrested the two men, who were taken into custody.
During questioning at the BSCPG facility in Makurdi, Abere and Aondowase reportedly claimed that they were volunteers attached to the BSCPG Gwer East Command.
They alleged that they were operating under the supervision of the Ward Commander, identified as Mr. Tiletswen.
The suspects claimed that earlier that morning, Tiletswen and another individual identified as Mr. Ipker instructed them to invite the woman to their office over an unresolved issue.
According to their account, when the woman refused to comply, they reported the matter by phone and allegedly received a further instruction to arrest her “even by force.”
They claimed that the alleged directive resulted in the confrontation that left the woman injured and subsequently hospitalised.
Reacting to the incident, Dr. Har condemned the alleged assault and directed the State Commander of the BSCPG to produce the commanders mentioned by the suspects for questioning.
He also ordered that the two suspects be transferred to the Police Headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Special Adviser warned individuals who impersonate or abuse the authority of security agencies, particularly in rural communities, to desist from such acts.
“The law will catch up with anyone hiding under the cover of security to harass or intimidate citizens,” Dr. Har said.
He stressed that security personnel must respect human rights while carrying out their duties.
Dr. Har also urged members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that such reports can help protect lives and property.
The victim is currently receiving medical treatment, while investigations into the incident continue.
