One Policeman Reportedly Killed As Youths Protest High Tax in Benue

One Policeman Reportedly Killed As Youths Protest High Tax in Benue

A policeman was feared dead on Friday as youths in Gaando, Gboko Local Government of Benue State protested against high taxes imposed by the state government.

The Punch reports that the youths, who are mostly farmers, blocked the road close to a Dangote Cement factory in Tse-Kucha for hours while they called on the state government to reduce taxes imposed on farm produce such as tomatoes and pepper.

The protest, however, degenerated into violence after men of the police Special Anti-Robbery Squad arrived to quell the protest. A gun duel between the youths and the police ensued and a police officer was said to have been shot in the battle.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Moses Yanu, who confirmed the incident in a telephone chat with our correspondent, said 16 persons have already been arrested and undergoing interrogation.

Meanwhile, the Governor, Samuel Ortom, has announced a collaboration between his government and US-based Mercy Corps to help the internally displaced persons in the state.

Ortom, who received the Country Director of the organisation, Iveta Ouvry, at Benue People’s House, on Friday, said Mercy Corps’ programme was in line with his administration’s focus on improving the lives of the poor.