Two men claiming to be BSCPG volunteers are in custody after allegedly assaulting a market woman in Gwer East, Benue State, as security adviser Dr. Joseph Har orders their commanders questioned.
Gwer East, Benue State — August 10, 2026
Two men from Igbor village in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, identified as Terwase Aye Abere and Mayange Aondowase, are in the custody of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) over the alleged assault of a woman during a dispute at a local market. The woman was hospitalized following the incident.
According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation began over the collection of market levies. The two men reportedly approached the woman after she said she had made no sales and could not pay, and, apparently unsatisfied with her explanation, allegedly assaulted her in an attempt to force payment.
An eyewitness reported the incident to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Dr. Joseph T. Har, who directed the immediate arrest of the suspects.
BSCPG operatives acted on the order and took both men into custody at the command's facility in Makurdi.
In statements to investigators, Abere and Aondowase claimed to be volunteers attached to the BSCPG's Gwer East Command, operating under the supervision of Ward Commander Mr. Tiletswen.
They alleged that Tiletswen and another official, identified as Mr. Ipker, had instructed them that morning to invite the woman to their office over an unresolved matter. When she declined, the suspects said they reported back and were instructed a second time to arrest her "even by force", a directive they claim led directly to the confrontation that left her hospitalized.
Reacting to the claims, Dr. Har condemned the assault and ordered the State Commander of the BSCPG to immediately produce the named commanders for questioning.
He also directed that the two suspects be transferred to Police Headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution, rather than being handled internally by the BSCPG.
Dr. Har issued a pointed warning to anyone posing as or operating as a security operative in rural areas, saying accountability would apply regardless of any claimed cover of official duty.
He stressed that security personnel are expected to uphold human rights principles in the discharge of their duties, and appealed to the public to continue providing timely, credible information to security agencies.
The victim remains in hospital receiving treatment, while investigations into the incident including the conduct of the named BSCPG commanders are ongoing.
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