By BANNERNEWS Reporter
A tax collector attached to the team of a former Chief Press Secretary to the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Chairman has allegedly shot a nursing mother, simply identified as Facilla, during a dispute over charcoal revenue collection in Kogi State.
The incident occurred at Agbede/Appa Bunu settlement in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area when the team reportedly stormed the community to enforce charcoal-related levies.
Eyewitnesses said tensions flared during the operation, and in the ensuing confrontation, a vigilante accompanying the revenue team allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the woman.
Facilla, a nursing mother of twins, was rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Kabba, where she is said to be responding to treatment.
Community sources alleged that the raid was carried out without any prior announcement, notification, or official directive from either the Kogi State Government or the Kabba/Bunu Local Government regarding a ban or seizure of charcoal.
A resident, Aremu, said Facilla only asked the team to clarify why her charcoal was being seized, explaining that she had received no notice from any government agent. “While she was speaking, one of the vigilantes suddenly shot her,” he alleged.
Residents and charcoal workers said there had been a standing understanding with local government agents to pay between N350 and N400 per bag of charcoal, adding that the incident has sparked fear and tension in the community.
Reacting swiftly, the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government, Barrister Zacchaeus Dare, condemned the shooting, describing it as illegal, unauthorized and unacceptable, and distancing the council from the operation.
Dare said he had directed security agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice, warning that no individual has the right to act in the name of the local government without proper authorization.
Efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Command for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
