The Ondo state government has banned the activities of members of the Association of Tippers and Quarry Owners of Nigeria over recent increase in the price of sharp sand.
The government said it will not allow extortion of members of the public.
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The position of the state government was made known at a press conference addressed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties and Strategy, Doyin Odebowale.
While decrying the high rate of extortion by the sharp sand dealers in the state, Odebowale, said government would not allow any association to extort the people of the state.
Already, members of the association have increased the price of sharp sand from N25, 000 to N60,000 per load.
But Odebowale directed sharp sand dealers to revert to the old price or be ready to leave the state.
He said, ”Government will no longer condone the sharp practices and would not hesitate to arrest any erring members.
“Governor Akeredolu will not allow the sharp sand dealers to extort money from members of the public and make things difficult for the people”
Odebowale added that government has the responsibility to ensure that any form of hardship on the people is discouraged actively.
“To be specific, we are hereby asking those who say or claim to be members of Tipper unions or whatever association to leave our Quarries, or leave our State immediately”, he said.
