By CHARLES IWUOHA

Suspected thugs numbering over 200 have attacked a team of security operatives enforcing e-ticketing operations of the Ebonyi State Internally Generated Revenue Service.

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 in 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 the civil defence.

An eyewitness, Nweke Timothy recounted that ?they (the thugs) were numbering over two 200 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.?

One of the team members who survived the attack, who identified himself as Samuel described the incident as a huge sabotage on the efforts of the state government to shore up its revenue and stop those said to be selling illegal tickets and enriching themselves.

A member of the Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Service who pleaded anonymity, said the adoption of the e-ticketing system was approved by the state executive council on October 8, 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 staff pleaded.

In a related development, one Mr. Henry, who is also a staff of the e-ticketing team was beaten to a stupor and injured on the head, hand, and on the eyes at Tom Gadas Filling Station in Afikpo, by those selling illegal tickets.

Executive Chairman of the Ebonyi State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Christopher Omo-Isu, in his reaction, condemned the ugly incident, stating ?I am deeply saddened and outraged by the recent attacks 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.?

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