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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Two men, identified as Terwase Abere and Mayange Aondowase, have been arrested and detained by operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) for allegedly assaulting a woman at Igbor Market in Gwer East Local Government.
The incident, which reportedly left the woman badly injured, has sparked condemnation from the state government, with the victim currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
According to witnesses, trouble started when the two men approached the woman and demanded payment of a market levy.
The woman was said to have explained that she had not made any sales and, therefore, could not afford to pay the levy at the time.
However, dissatisfied with her explanation, which they allegedly interpreted as a refusal to pay, the two men reportedly descended on her in an attempt to force her to comply.
A witness said the woman was assaulted in full view of other traders and members of the public, who allegedly watched helplessly as the men dragged her through the mud and almost stripped her.
Following the incident, the two suspects were arrested by operatives of the BSCPG and brought to the command’s facility in Makurdi for questioning.
In their statements to investigators, the suspects claimed that they were volunteers attached to the BSCPG in Gwer East Command and were carrying out official duties under the supervision of the Ward Commander, Mr. Tiletswen.
The suspects alleged that earlier on Monday morning, Tiletswen and another individual identified as Mr. Ipker instructed them to invite the woman to their office over an unresolved issue.
They claimed that when the woman refused to comply with the instruction, they reported back to their superiors by telephone and were allegedly directed to arrest her, “even by force.”
According to them, the alleged directive resulted in the confrontation during which the woman was assaulted and injured, leading to her admission to hospital.
However, the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, condemned the incident and described the alleged assault as an outright abuse of the woman’s fundamental human rights.
Har, who confirmed the incident on Monday, said that upon receiving the report, he immediately directed the State Commander of the BSCPG to produce the commanders mentioned by the suspects for interrogation.
He also ordered that the two suspects be transferred to the Police Headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Special Adviser said a witness alleged that the men were collecting what was described as illegal market tickets and assaulted the woman after she failed to make payment.
Har, however, stressed that whatever the circumstances surrounding the dispute, the suspects had no right to assault, harass or use force against the woman.
“Whatever the reason, they have no such rights. I have asked them to prepare a letter to hand them over to the police for prosecution,” he said.
He disclosed that immediately he was informed of the incident, he directed the Commander of the Civil Protection Guards in Gwer East, Master Warrant Officer Moses Mhoon, to intervene.
According to him, Mhoon promptly mobilised operatives to the scene, where the two suspects were apprehended and subsequently brought to Makurdi for detention.
Har warned individuals operating under the guise of security personnel against harassing, intimidating or abusing members of the public.
He stressed that all security personnel must respect human rights and strictly adhere to the principles of lawful and responsible security operations while carrying out their duties.
The Special Adviser reiterated that no security assignment or dispute over payment could justify the use of unlawful force against members of the public, assuring that those found culpable would face the appropriate legal process.
