By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State Taskforce on Illegal Levies has arrested three suspected members of the notorious Marching Ground gang for allegedly extorting builders at Ugondo Mega Layout, Yaikyo, Makurdi.
The suspects, identified as Pine Iorvev, Joseph Yuan, and Terkar Gundu, were apprehended in the early hours of Thursday after allegedly demanding N300,000, two goats, and two cartons of beer before construction could continue at the site.
According to a statement signed by Chia Saint Paul, Media Aide to the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Organisation and Illegal Levies, the gang held site engineers hostage for several hours and destroyed some working tools when their demands were not met.
But a distress call alerted the Taskforce, which stormed the location and arrested the trio, while other members fled.
Parading the suspects, the SSA on Illegal Levies, Gbenda Terver, urged residents to resist any form of extortion under the guise of Marching Ground or “understanding fees,” reminding them that such demands are prohibited by law.
He commended the property owner for refusing to yield to threats and assured residents of full protection.
“There is nothing like an ‘understanding fee’ for any site to be developed in Benue State. Members of the public should report suspicious activities around construction sites,” he said.
The arrested suspects have been handed over to the police for prosecution, while the public has been advised to report emergencies via 07063894788.
