25th September, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
The Edo State Government has ordered law enforcement agents to go after some unauthorized people extorting money from commercial drivers and traders in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), in a statement on Wednesday, also ordered that any one found disturbing the peace in motor parks and market places under the guise of revenue collection should be arrested and prosecuted.
According to the statement, reports indicated that the persons have gone to the Benin central motor park, other motor parks and market places across the state, with a view to extorting money from commercial vehicle drivers and traders under the guise of revenue collection.
“This act of brigandage is not only irreprehensible, but also amounts to an act of lawlessness.
“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,” said the statement.
The government therefore warned 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,” it added.