Benue residents living under criminal gangs’ threats despite forceful payment of N100,000 protection fees

The people Zaki Biam in Ukum Local Government Council in Zone A, Benue State have expressed concern over the rise of crime despite being taxed by criminal gangs leading to regular and forceful payment of N100,000 protection fees.
The residents said, they have been living with surge in criminal activities which has to do with kidnapping threats, motorcycle theft, and reported cult operations within the town.

A source who pleaded anonymity revealed over the weekend that some residents often receive phone calls from unknown criminal elements demanding money which they use to comply to avoid being kidnapped.

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“People are scared because these callers sound serious and very coordinated. We need urgent help before things get out of hand,” he stated.

The source also stated that there was rising activities of cult groups having their regular meetings in broad day light unchallenged by security agents, thereby emboldening them to carry out criminal activities.

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According to him, the group holds regular meetings at the shop of their alleged chairman, located at the former SSS office along Yam Market bypass leading to the Mechanic Site.

“These boys meet both during the day and very late at night. Their activities are suspicious, and everyone in the area is worried about what they are planning.

“Motorcycle snatching has also escalated in recent weeks, with thieves targeting riders at night. The trend has created heightened tension, as many rely on motorcycles for transportation and business.

“And because all the motorcycle thefts have happened at night people no longer move around freely once it gets dark,” he said.

He noted that kidnapping threats had added a new layer of fear. “One case involved a POS operator, names withheld, who allegedly paid 100,000 after being threatened by criminals who warned they would kidnap him if he refused.

The source said the Police DPO in Zaki Ibiam are fully aware of operations of criminals, an allegation that could not be verified immediately.

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