Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has threatened to sanction any traditional ruler in the state found culpable in aiding the activities of illegal tax collectors.
The governor made the threat at the weekend in Tse-Ugbada, Igyorov Council Ward, Ipav in Gboko area of the state during a funeral oration in honour of the director of audit, office of the Accountant General for the Federation, late Nicholas Tor Mtemave.
Ortom said he would not hesitate to dethrone such monarchs involved in illegal roadblocks in the state for the purpose of tax collection.
He maintained in response to a plea by the Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area, James Kachina, that his administration would continue to take proactive measures against illegal tax operators.
Ortom expressed worries that the activities of illegal checkpoints had negatively affected markets and revenue generation in parts of the state, stressing the need to nib the menace in the bud.
In a similar vein, he called on people of the state, who are not affected by herders attacks, to intensify their farming activities, especially the cultivation of cassava, watermelon and other food crops in order to boost food production.
The governor, however, condoled the bereaved family and prayed God to grant the departed eternal rest, as he encouraged the deceased’s wife and children to always look unto God and not man, noting that God would always provide for them in times of need.
