Benue warns tax collectors harassing NEMA vehicles conveying palliatives

The Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) has warned racketeers and hoodlums who operates illegal checkpoints particularly at Akerior in Ushongo LGA of Benue State to desist from harassing motorists, especially vehicles carrying palliatives for National Emergency Management Agency or face the wrath of the law.

Acting Chairman of BIRS, Emmanuel Agema, on Wednesday, expressed dismay at the nefarious activities of the hoodlums, which according to him, was impacting negatively on vehicles of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The chairman, in a statement, by his Media Assistant, Jacintha Bernard, warned against the illicit behavior portrayed by those hoodlums who have recently been seen and reportedly extorting and harassing vehicles of NEMA carrying palliatives for the state.

He frowned at the deliberate efforts of those hoodlums frustrating the efforts of NEMA in bringing palliatives to the state.

Agema emphatically stated that those caught operating illegal roadblocks in the state especially that of Akerior will be immediately arrested and shall face the full wrath of the law as criminals and enemies of the state.

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The BIRS chairman reiterated his resolve to eradicate illegal checkpoint operators in the state, adding that, “these racketeers dent the image of the state, distort and impede economic activities, pose as a threat to security of Benue people and cause untold sufferings to motorist, businessmen and farmers in the state.”