Benue people In bondage as Bandits demand N20m levies, taxes monthly from Benue communities

Suspected armed bandits operating in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State have reportedly commenced the collection of taxes and levies from residents of Torough and nearby communities.

It was gathered, yesterday, from a resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being attacked, that the gangs introduced a levy of N20 million as monthly tax to be paid by each household.

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He said they had already started gathering the levy after allocating each household their share of the tax since they had no option but to comply.

He pointed out that no one, including the village heads, dared challenge the authority of the armed gangs or report the matter to security agencies stressing: “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.