From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Over 200 suspected thugs attacked security operatives enforcing the Ebonyi State Internally Generated Revenue Service’s e-ticketing operations at Amudo market, Ezza South Local Government Area.
The assault left three revenue officers and one Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) official severely injured.
Allegedly led by a local youth president, the armed thugs, wielding cutlasses and guns, barricaded roads with logs, overpowered the enforcement team, and freed arrested motorists. Eyewitness Nweke Timothy reported, “They were numbering over 200 persons, and they immediately discharged all the arrested motorists. It was a terrible scene, and many people fled the market out of fear.”
A surviving team member, Samuel, described the attack as sabotage against efforts to curb illegal ticket sales, stating, “They print tickets and sell them at will, short-changing the state government.” An anonymous Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Service member noted that e-ticketing, approved on 8 October 2024, aims to reduce revenue leakages. They urged, “We call on the state government to arrest and prosecute all those involved in this act of sabotage.”
Since the e-ticketing launch on 4 November 2024, sensitisation efforts have encouraged compliance. However, the team faces threats, with three phones stolen during the Amudo attack. In a separate incident, e-ticketing staff member Henry was beaten at Tom Gadas filling station in Afikpo, sustaining head, hand, and eye injuries. The assailant was arrested but released after intervention by Hon. Ukie Ezeali, who promised to ensure compliance among okada and keke riders.
The enforcement team appealed for government protection, stating, “We have done so many sensitisations 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.” Ebonyi remains the only South-East state yet to fully automate revenue collection, prompting Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to transition the transport sector to e-ticketing.
Ezza South Chairman Mrs Euphemia Nwali condemned the attack, vowing to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable. Rt. Hon. Christopher Omo-Isu, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Board of Internal Revenue, expressed outrage, stating, “This appalling act of violence by hoodlums threatens the safety of our dedicated workforce and undermines the progress we have made.”
He assured collaboration with security agencies to ensure justice and plans to enhance staff safety through stakeholder meetings.