Taskforce Apprehends Notorious ‘Marching Ground’ Operator for Extortion in Makurdi

The Benue State Taskforce on Illegal Levies and Criminality has arrested a notorious operator of the so-called ‘Marching Ground,’ identified as Ade Simon Kator, for allegedly extorting the sum of N500,000 from a local clergyman.

Kator, who resides behind Hotel Lucia in the Achusa area of Makurdi, reportedly demanded the money from Pastor Ogbu Emmanuel of Again and Afresh Church under the pretense of a Marching Ground fee. Despite receiving the payment, he allegedly mobilized local youths to harass workers at the church’s construction site, disrupting ongoing work and demanding additional “youth levies,” while threatening to damage the property.

Following a distress call, operatives of the Taskforce swiftly moved in and apprehended the suspect. During interrogation, Kator confessed to the crime. He has since been handed over to the Police Area Command in Makurdi for prosecution.

Speaking while parading the suspect, Hon. Gbenda Terver, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Youth Organization and Illegal Levies, warned youths in the state against such criminal acts. He urged members of the public to support the government’s fight against illegal levies by reporting incidents through the hotline: 07063894788.