A protest by members of the Benue Motorcycles Hirers Association (BEMOA), Gboko branch, over a disputed daily levy collection arrangement with the Gboko Local Government Council has reportedly turned violent, with one person feared dead during a clash involving suspected hoodlums in Gboko, Benue State. The incident reportedly caused tension in the town as the disagreement over revenue collection escalated into a confrontation.
Key Highlights
- A protest by BEMOA members in Gboko, Benue State, reportedly turned violent.
- The dispute centres on daily levy collection and the sharing of revenue between the association and the local government.
- One person is feared dead following a reported clash involving suspected hoodlums.
- Attempts by BEMOA and local government officials to resolve the disagreement reportedly failed.
- The Gboko Local Government chairman could not be reached for comment at the time of reporting.
- Benue State Police Command spokesperson DSP Orchia Aondongu Peter confirmed the incident.
Levy Dispute Between BEMOA and Gboko Council
The Trumpet gathered that tensions had been building between the Gboko Local Government Council and BEMOA over control of a significant share of daily levies collected from commercial motorcycle operators.
Sources said officials of the association and the local government had held a meeting to resolve the disagreement amicably. However, the discussions reportedly ended without an agreement, leaving the dispute unresolved.
According to sources, BEMOA members subsequently staged a protest to press their demand for a larger share of the revenue collected.
One source said receipts were reportedly sold daily for ₦200, adding that the association had been seeking a more favourable arrangement. However, the precise terms of the proposed revenue-sharing agreement could not be independently established.
Protest Reportedly Turns Violent
Sources said the BEMOA protest began peacefully as members sought to draw attention to their demands.
The situation reportedly deteriorated after suspected hoodlums arrived and disrupted the gathering, triggering a confrontation that escalated into a free-for-all fight.
One person was feared dead during the incident, although the circumstances surrounding the reported death had not been fully established at the time of reporting.
Further details on possible injuries, arrests or damage to property were not immediately available.
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Gboko Council Chairman Orders Curfew, Source Claims
An unnamed resident said the protest continued amid rising tension before the Gboko Local Government Chairman, Barrister Torseer Yina, reportedly ordered a dusk-to-dawn curfew.
According to the source, the restriction exempted people providing essential services.
The Trumpet made efforts to obtain comments from Yina, but calls to his mobile telephone line were not answered, and a text message had not received a response at the time of filing this report.
The reported curfew and its precise scope could not be independently confirmed.
Police Confirm Incident in Gboko
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Orchia Aondongu Peter, confirmed that the incident occurred.
However, further details regarding the reported death, the cause of the violence and any police action were not immediately available.
The development has raised concerns about the unresolved levy dispute and the need for the parties involved to pursue a peaceful settlement.
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