The thugs severely injured three of the revenue officers and one Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) official during the attack.
The attack which occurred in Amudo market, Ezza South Local Government Area of the state, was allegedly led by a youth President in the area.
It was gathered that the attackers who were armed with cutlasses and guns, barricaded the road with logs of woods.
They reportedly rounded up the major road and overpowered the e-ticketing enforcement team alongside the enforcement team of the men of civil defence.
An eyewitness, Nweke Timothy recounted that "they (the thugs) were numbering over two hundred persons, and they immediately discharged all the arrested motorists. It was a terrible scene, and many people fled the market out of fear, and the tension was very high, "he stated.
One of the team members who survived the attack, who identified himself as Samuel described the incident as dastardly, maintaining that it was a huge sabotage on the efforts of the Ebonyi State government to shore up it's revenue and stop those said to be selling illegal tickets and enriching theirselves thereby causing leakages. "They print tickets and sell them at will, short-changing the state government.
A member of the Ebonyi State Internal Revenue who pleaded anonymity was quoted as saying that the adoption of the e-ticketing operations was approved by the State's Executive Council on the 8th of October 2024 to curb revenue leakages and increase efficiency.
"We urge the state government to look into this ugly incident, arrest and prosecute all those involved in this act of sabotage no matter how highly-placed they are", the source pleaded.
Since the flag-off of the automation on the 4th of November2024, we have done enough sensitization before commencing this enforcement, and everybody was asked to co-operate with the State's Board of Internal Revenue, "he further lamented.
He continued, "Imagine that they (the thugs) also collected three phones from the e-ticketing team and left many injured who are currently receiving treatments in the hospital. We condemn this evil act and call for justice for the victims and punishment for the provocateurs".
In a related development, one Mr Henry who is also a staff of the e-Ticketing team was beaten to stupor and injured on the head, hand, and on the eyes at Tom Gadas filling station in Afikpo by those selling illegal tickets. The matter was said to have been reported at the Afikpo division, and the thug was arrested and brought to the police headquarters Abakaliki.
Eyewitnesses said it took the intervention of the member, representing Afikpo North East Constituency in the State's House of Assembly, Hon. Ukie Ezeali (popularly known as P-Noble), who promised to meet with okada and keke riders and ensured they would co-operate and comply with the State government's directive to get him released from the State Police Headquarters, Abakaliki.
The staff of the e-Ticketing project has been under serious threat from various quarters in the past few weeks for implementing the e-ticketing system of revenue collection in Ebonyi State.
According to him, "We call on the state government to do their best to protect the team in their field operations.
"We had several meetings with the okada riders and urged them to comply with the government directives so that the revenues they pay can be accounted for and useful for the government. We have done so many sensitizations on radio and newspapers since last year to get the riders to know it's better to pay their revenues to the government than to the touts.
It will be recalled that Ebonyi is the only State in the South East region yet to automate their revenue form of collection and this has been a grave concern to the government, the people of Ebonyi State and to investors who often lament about how touts harass and threaten them for monies they divert to their private pockets.
As directed by the governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the transportation sector; keke (tricycle), and okada riders are currently transitioning into the e-ticketing method payment to the government.
Also condemning the ugly incident, the Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area, Mrs Euphemia Nwali, promised to investigate further on the matter and bring the perpetrators to book.
The Executive Chairman, Ebonyi State Board of Internal Revenue Service Rt. Hon. Christopher Omo-Isu, in his reaction, condemned the ugly incident, stating; "I am deeply saddened and outraged by the recent attack on the enforcement and staff of the e-Ticketing team in our state. This appalling act of violence by hoodlums not only threatens the safety of our dedicated workforce but also undermines the progress we have made in implementing essential revenue collection systems that are vital for the development of Ebonyi State"
Our e-ticketing team plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with our tax policies and facilitating a transparent and efficient revenue collection process. Their safety and well-being are of the utmost importance. We stand in solidarity with our staff in all the 13 local government headquarters and extend our heartfelt appreciation for their hard work and commitment to serving the citizens of Ebonyi.
I want to assure the public and our staff that we are treating this incident with the seriousness it deserves. We are in close collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice swiftly. We will not condone any form of violence or intimidation against any individual or team fulfilling their duty to our state.
Moreover, we will be convening a meeting with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to discuss measures that will enhance the safety of our staff and ensure the continuation of our important work without fear of reprisal.
We urge the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Let us work together to foster a peaceful environment where progress can thrive.
In conclusion, I reaffirm our commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that all those who threaten our peace and the integrity of our state’s operations are held accountable", Omo-Isu maintained.
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