The Edo State Government has directed law enforcement agencies to take action against unauthorized individuals allegedly extorting money from commercial drivers and traders across the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) instructed that anyone disrupting peace at motor parks and marketplaces under the pretense of revenue collection should be arrested and prosecuted.
The statement revealed that these individuals have been reportedly targeting the Benin Central Motor Park, as well as other parks and markets statewide, to extort money from commercial drivers and traders, falsely claiming it as revenue collection.
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“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 the Government in the various motor parks and marketplaces. Their contract with the State Government subsists till November 12, 2024,” said the statement.
The government therefore warned all persons or groups 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 to create a state of anarchy.
“In light of the foregoing, the 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.
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