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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 Area (LGA) of the state.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident, left the woman badly injured and currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
Witnesses said trouble started when the suspects approached the woman to pay a market levy. It was said that the woman explained to that she had not made any sales and was unable to pay at the moment.
Dissatisfied with her explanation, which they took as a refusal, the two men descended on her in an attempt to compel her to pay.
According to a witness, the men assaulted the woman to the spectacle of others who watched helplessly as they dragged the woman in the mud and almost stripping her.
In their statement to investigators at the BSCPG facility in Makurdi, the two suspects claimed they were volunteers attached to the BSCPG in Gwer East Command. They said they were on duty under the supervision of the Ward Commander, Mr. Tiletswen.
The suspects alleged that earlier that Monday morning, Mr. Tiletswen and one 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 directive led to the confrontation that left the woman injured and admitted to the hospital.
Our correspondent gathered that the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, on getting the report 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.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, condemned the assault in totality saying is t was an outright abuse of human rights.
Har told newsmen that a witness, alleged that the men were collecting what he described as illegal market tickets and assaulted the woman after she didn’t pay.
Har, however, said that regardless of the circumstances, the suspects had no right to assault or force the woman to comply.
He said he had directed the BSCPG to prepare the necessary documents and hand the suspects over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
“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,” Har said.
The Special Adviser said 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.
He said Mhoon promptly mobilised operatives to the scene, apprehended the two men and brought them to Makurdi, where they were detained.
Har condemned the alleged assault and warned individuals operating under the guise of security personnel against harassing or intimidating members of the public.
He stressed that security personnel must respect human rights and adhere to the principles of lawful and responsible security operations while carrying out their duties.
