Cheers In Benin As Edo Task Force Arrests 10 Over Illegal Revenue Collection
Jubilation broke out at markets across Benin City on Tuesday as the Edo State Government cracked down on illegal revenue collectors, arresting at least 10 offenders in a sweeping enforcement raid.
The arrests followed a directive from Governor Godwin Okpebholo, who banned the activities of certain transport unions and unauthorised revenue agents after receiving reports of widespread extortion, harassment, and even violence against drivers and traders.
Those affected by the ban include the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheel, and Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd — all accused of flouting the State’s cashless revenue collection policy.
“These groups were warned,” said Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government. “They were only allowed to operate under strict guidelines in partnership with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) but they chose to ignore the rules.”
He confirmed that one of the arrested individuals allegedly assaulted a commercial driver who resisted extortion. The suspect is now in police custody and expected to face charges within the next 72 hours.
At Oka Market, where the Task Force apprehended several suspects, traders reportedly cheered the arrests, expressing relief at the government’s move to protect them from long-standing exploitation.
Commander of the State Special Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor, who led the operation, said illegal collectors were also nabbed along Sapele Road, Ring Road, Airport Road, and Oba Market.
“This is just the beginning,” SP Anetor said. “We’re going to continue until every illegal operator is rooted out. No one has the right to harass our people in the name of collecting revenue.”
The Government reiterated that only the EIRS, working through Local Government channels and approved POS agents, is authorised to collect revenue — strictly without cash.
Public awareness campaigns, including radio jingles, have been rolled out across the State to keep residents informed. “Ignorance will not be an excuse,” the SSG warned.
The Governor has also directed all relevant task forces to sustain the crackdown, sending a clear message: oppression and extortion will no longer be tolerated in Edo State.
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