Residents of the Toro community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State are selling their farm produce to raise N20 million demanded by bandits to avoid an attack, according to the Punch.
Local militias have threatened severe consequences if the money is not paid within days, forcing each household to contribute N50,000. The Local government chairman Victor Iorzaa confirmed the situation, identifying a notorious militia leader, Full Fire, as the mastermind behind the demand.
Iorzaa said he reported the matter to the police and state security council. State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, and the Governor’s Security Adviser, Joseph Har, downplayed the threat, stating that bandits are on the run and could not realistically collect the tax.