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Popular Benue social commentator and rights activist, Ukan Kurugh, has raised serious allegations against a man identified as Manasseh Jato, accusing him of working as an informant for the Benue State Police Command in Makurdi.
In a strongly worded post, Ukan Kurugh claimed that Manasseh Jato goes around Adeke settlement falsely labeling innocent young men as “yahoo boys” simply because they dress well, drive decent cars, or ride good motorcycles (popularly referred to as “rubber rubber”).
According to the activist, after Jato points out these young men, police officers allegedly move in to arrest them and demand exorbitant sums as bail, with the proceeds allegedly shared between the officers and the informant.
Ukan further stated that in a voice note in circulation, the same individual could be heard boldly demanding money from a young man, claiming he “controls and runs” the entire area — an audacity he believes is only possible because of protection from certain dubious and overzealous police officers.
The activist revealed that he has already contacted the individual and intends to formally report him to the authorities on Monday. He urged the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, to immediately arrest Manasseh Jato and compel him to identify the police officers he is allegedly collaborating with.
Ukan Kurugh emphasized that these activities are making life increasingly difficult and unsafe for residents of Adeke settlement, especially young guys and students.
He signed off the post with his usual titles: Human/Gender Rights Activist, Voice of the Voiceless, and Messenger of Necessity.
This latest outburst has once again brought to the fore the long-standing issue of alleged collaboration between some police officers and local informants for extortion in parts of Makurdi.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Benue State Police Command regarding the allegations.
What do you think about this? Should the police high command investigate such claims thoroughly to restore public confidence?
Drop your thoughts in the comments (respectfully).
