Edo unveils whistle-blowing platform to combat illegal taskforce

By Jethro Ibileke

Edo State Government has raised the alarm over the antics of an illegal taskforce that has been extorting unsuspecting members of the public over urban and regional planning infractions in Benin metropolis.

The State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, raised the alarm in a statement on Friday.

She said the state government has established modus operandi and would never collect cash from members of the public, as is the practice of the illegal taskforce.

Omo added that the Ministry has set up a whistle-blowing platform for members of the public to report suspicious activities so as to safeguard unsuspecting property owners from fraudsters.

According to her, “There is an illegal taskforce claiming to be from the Ministry extorting money from unsuspecting people.

“The Edo State Government staff must show a valid government ID card which the public is at liberty to take a photo of. We will also never take cash as the government operates a cashless policy.”

She added: “All planning permit/approval transactions must emanate from the issuance of a bill in our office. The public should insist on the issuance of contravention notices where applicable and come to our office for clarifications.

“Please report any officer demanding cash to the Ministry of Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development Whistle Blowing line: 09150783459. Please be guided.”