In Makurdi, the name David Yaikyo carried a shadow. He was known in Ajaba settlement as one of the men who ran “marching ground” schemes — a crude extortion tactic where anyone building or doing business in certain areas had to pay him off.
But on a hot afternoon, his luck ran out.
Taskforce operatives swooped on Yaikyo after a construction firm cried out. He had allegedly demanded ₦300,000 before work could continue. This time, the usual fear that kept people quiet didn’t work. A call was made, and the law responded.
Yaikyo reportedly confessed after arrest. He is now in police custody, awaiting prosecution.
To many in Makurdi, it’s a small but symbolic victory in the fight against the street tax that has strangled small businesses for years. Governor Alia’s aide, Hon. Gbenda Terver, said: “We will not allow our youths to turn crime into an occupation. Anyone caught will face the law.”
The message is clear: Benue wants its streets back.
About The Author
