The Edo State Government has lashed out against unscrupulous individuals parading themselves as agents of government and harassing and intimidating government-approved revenue collectors in the state.
The Secretary to the Edo State Government, Joseph Eboigbe, in a statement on Wednesday said that these corrupt individuals have reportedly been spotted at the popular Benin Central Motor Park, market places, and other motor parks across the state, forcibly extorting vehicles drivers and traders under the guise of revenue collection.
The government warned the perpetrators of these illegalities to stop forthwith or face the full wrath of the law, saying its has accredited revenue collectors whose contracts with the state government has not yet ended.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Edo State Government has accredited revenue collectors who have been duly mandated to collect revenue as approved by government in the various motor parks and market places. Their contract with the state government subsists till November 12, 2024,” Eboigbe said.
“Edo State Government therefore warns all persons or group of persons perpetuating this act of brigandage to desist from it or face the full wrath of the law, as no responsible government will fold its hands and allow unscrupulous persons create a state of anarchy.
“In light of the foregoing, government directs the law enforcement agencies in Edo State to arrest and prosecute any person involved in the act of extortion of commercial vehicle drivers and traders across the state or found disturbing the peace in motor parks and market places under the guise of revenue collection,” he said.
