The Taskforce Coordinator on Illegal Levies and other forms of Illegalities, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State Hon. Moses Vangeryina and team today 22nd October, 2024, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Gboko Local Government, Hon. Barr. Torseer Yina, to officially congratulate him on his recent assumption of office.

During the visit, Hon. Moses Vangeryina expressed his appreciation for the Chairman’s leadership and took the opportunity to seek his cooperation and support in the ongoing efforts to curb illegal practices within the local government. He presented a detailed analysis of the taskforce’s achievements so far, highlighting the strides made in eliminating various forms of illegalities that have plagued the local government for years.

Specifically, the deputy Taskforce Coordinator, Hon. Chris Gande on behalf of the team extensively emphasized the taskforce’s efforts in eradicating thus:

1. Illegal Receipts: The taskforce has been working tirelessly to dismantle the networks responsible for issuing unauthorized receipts to residents and traders, which have been a significant source of revenue loss for the local government.

2. Illegal Checkpoints: The existence of unauthorized checkpoints had long contributed to extortion and harassment of motorists and transporters in Gboko. He assured the Chairman that the taskforce has significantly reduced these checkpoints, creating a more secure environment for free movement.

3. Matching Grounds: The notorious practice of demanding arbitrary and illegal fees for access to public spaces, known as “matching grounds,” has also been a target of the taskforce. Hon. Gande reported that several hotspots have been identified and neutralized, putting an end to these illicit activities.

4. Extortion: Hon. Gande reiterated the taskforce’s commitment to eliminating all forms of extortion, both by individuals and groups operating unlawfully under the guise of authority. He praised the cooperation of law enforcement agencies in supporting this fight.

As part of the discussion, Hon. Vangeryina Moses sought the support and cooperation of the Local Government Chairman in further consolidating these efforts. He stressed the importance of a collaborative approach between the leadership and the taskforce to ensure a complete eradication of illegalities, which will ultimately benefit the local government’s revenue generation and improve the well-being of its citizens.

In response, Hon. Barr. Yina expressed his admiration for the achievements of the taskforce thus far. He pledged his full support to Hon. Moses and the entire Taskforce team in their mission to rid Gboko Local Government of illegal levies and activities. He assured that his administration will remain committed to creating a transparent and lawful environment where businesses and individuals can thrive without fear of exploitation.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to continue the fight against illegalities, with both leaders agreeing that only through collaboration and sustained effort will these issues be completely eradicated in Gboko Local Government.

Terfa Michael

Media & Publicity Secretary to the Taskforce on elimination of illigalities Gboko LGA.