No fewer than 200 thugs launched a violent attack on a team of security operatives enforcing the Ebonyi State Internally Generated Revenue Service (IGRS) e-ticketing operations, severely injuring three revenue officers and one official of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The brazen attack, which took place at Amudo Market in Ezza South Local Government Area, was allegedly led by a local youth leader. Armed with cutlasses and guns, the assailants barricaded major roads with logs of wood, overwhelmed the enforcement team, and forcibly released detained motorists.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. “They were more than 200 in number. It was a terrible sight; many people fled the market in fear,” recounted Nweke Timothy, a trader who witnessed the incident.
One of the survivors, a revenue officer identified simply as Samuel, condemned the attack as “a dastardly act” and described it as a deliberate attempt to sabotage the state’s efforts to streamline its revenue collection and eliminate illegal ticket sales. “These criminals print fake tickets, short-changing the government and diverting public funds into private pockets,” he lamented.
A senior official of the Ebonyi State Internal Revenue S
ervice, who requested anonymity, revealed that the e-ticketing system was approved by the State Executive Council on October 8, 2024, to curb revenue leakages and enhance efficiency. “Before enforcement commenced on November 4, 2024, extensive sensitization was carried out to educate the public and stakeholders,” the official stated.
He further disclosed that during the attack, the thugs also seized three mobile phones from members of the e-ticketing team, and that several injured officials are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
In a related incident, Mr. Henry, another member of the e-ticketing team, was beaten into unconsciousness at Tom Gadas Filling Station in Afikpo by individuals allegedly involved in the illegal ticket racket. He sustained injuries to his head, hands, and eyes. The case was reported to the Afikpo Police Division, leading to the arrest of one suspect, who was later transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Abakaliki.
Sources said the suspect’s release was facilitated by Hon. Ukie Ezeali, the member representing Afikpo North East Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, after pledging to work with okada and keke riders to ensure compliance with the state’s directives.
Revenue officers implementing the e-ticketing system have reportedly faced a series of threats and attacks in recent weeks. “We have met with the okada riders multiple times, educating them about the importance of paying revenue directly to the government, not to touts,” a revenue staff member explained. “Our aim is to ensure every kobo paid is accounted for and used for development.”
Until recently, Ebonyi State was the only state in the South East yet to automate its revenue collection system, a situation that has long raised concerns among residents and investors, who frequently complained about harassment and extortion by illegal ticket sellers.
Condemning the latest attack, the Chairman of Ezza South LGA, Mrs. Euphemia Nwali, vowed to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of the Ebonyi State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Christopher Omo-Isu, expressed deep outrage over the incident.
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the recent attack on our e-ticketing team,” Omo-Isu said in a statement. “This appalling act threatens not only the lives of our dedicated workers but also the progress we have made in modernizing our revenue systems.”
He emphasized the vital role the e-ticketing team plays in ensuring a transparent and efficient revenue collection process, adding that their safety remains a top priority. “We are collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are swiftly brought to justice,” he assured.
Omo-Isu also announced plans to convene a meeting with security agencies and stakeholders to develop stronger protective measures for field officers. He called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
“Let us work together to foster a peaceful environment where progress and development can thrive,” he urged.
As investigations continue, the Ebonyi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the law and ensure that no individual or group undermines its efforts to create a transparent, efficient, and violence-free revenue system.
