…Orders Immediate Arrest Of Collectors
BY JERRY OMOKRI
THE Chairman, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State Olorogun Jaro Egbo, has ordered immediate suspension of revenue collection in the Agbarho community, following widespread complaints of harassment and extortion by alleged revenue agents.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ughelli North, Egbo directed security agencies to arrest anyone caught collecting revenue in the name of the local government within Agbarho.
“After numerous complaints of brutality from traders and shop owners in Agbarho, I have no option but to suspend all revenue collection activities in the area from January 2025 until further notice, pending the constitution of a new and credible revenue taskforce,” Egbo said.
“We cannot allow a situation where our people are being harassed and extorted under the guise of revenue collection. It is unacceptable. Anyone found extorting money from residents should be arrested and prosecuted according to the law,” he added.
Egbo noted that the suspension followed persistent reports from residents, who claimed they were being harassed and intimidated by individuals posing as government agents but operating without any formal authorisation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring sanity, transparency, and public trust in the governance of Ughelli North.
It was gathered that several residents of Agbarho have been subjected to intimidation and physical assault by these self-acclaimed revenue collectors.
One of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted his ordeal: “I was forced to pay ₦10,000 for an extension, and just days later, they came back demanding another ₦7,000 or they would lock up my shop.”
The victim appealed to the local government chairman to urgently deploy a monitoring team to Agbarho to curb the excesses of what he described as “hoodlums posing as revenue officers.”
