0
0
The Joint Security Task Force tasked with combating illegal road tax collection in Benue State made significant progress on Thursday. Following a confrontation with local youths in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area along the Makurdi-Lafia Federal Highway, they successfully apprehended nine suspected illegal tax collectors.
Tensions escalated when the task force, under the leadership of retired Chief Superintendent of Police, Jeffery Iorbee, conducted an enforcement operation alongside a team composed of both the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps. During this operation, three suspects were initially detained, leading to a scuffle with the local population.
In an effort to transport the suspects from Daudu to Makurdi, the state capital, local youths, along with their associates, obstructed the federal highway and clashed with the task force. This led to the police firing warning shots into the air to secure a safe passage. Motorists, who have long been burdened by extortion, applauded the state government for this action.
Moments later, the task force, reinforced by the military, confronted the criminals in Daudu, resulting in the arrest of six additional suspects. It was determined that these individuals would be prosecuted.
All materials confiscated from the suspects and their operational bases were subsequently incinerated.
Motorists traveling along the Makurdi-Lafia Federal Highway have expressed their appreciation to Governor Hyacinth Alia for his decisive action in removing criminals from the road. They have frequently fallen victim to armed robbers, largely due to the presence of hoodlums in the area.
Under the vigilant supervision of military personnel, a dedicated task force successfully cleared the road of all blockades. Simultaneously, nine suspects were apprehended and subsequently transported to the Benue State police headquarters.
