BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has warned residents to be wary of scam schemes by unauthorised persons, who have been collating names and details of unsuspecting members of the public for an alleged relief package.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, distanced the state government from such sham, describing it as the handiwork of unscrupulous elements out to defraud unsuspecting residents.

He said the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s relief package is meant for the poor and vulnerable persons only, the details of which would be made public soon.

Osagie said, “The state government’s attention has been the drawn to the activities of some unauthorised persons who have been collating names and bank details of unsuspecting members of the public on behalf of the government for an alleged relief scheme.

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“I want to clarify that the state government has not recruited anybody or group of persons to collate names or bank details on its behalf. Members of the public are advised to disregard the message.”

According to the governor’s aide, “The economic stimulus that has been developed by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to cushion the economic effect of coronavirus (COVID -19) outbreak in the state is targeted at the poor and vulnerable persons. We would explore the right channels in reaching out to these persons when the exercise kicks off.”

“We, however, urge residents to support the state government’s efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the state by complying with the basic precautionary measures and other guidelines to contain the scourge,” he added.