David Akachukwu
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Suspected illegal environmental task force members have reportedly taken control of Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, harassing shopkeepers in their efforts to force residents into purchasing disposable waste bins.
The group, operating with tricycles (also known as Keke), recently seized goods from shopkeepers who challenged the legitimacy of their actions.
In a conversation with one of the victims, Mr. Solomon Nweke, a phone accessories seller on St. Patrick Road, Kpiri-kpiri, across from Ugo Martins Drive, he expressed frustration that the group, allegedly linked to the Ebonyi State Ministry of Environment IGR Board, entered his store with receipts in hand and demanded he pay fifteen thousand, five hundred naira (N15,500) for failing to acquire the required environmental waste bin.
Mr. Nweke explained that this action caused many shopkeepers to close their businesses, as all efforts to explain that no official notice had been issued to demand such payment were ignored.
He shared that the team leader, identified as Mr. Amechi, proceeded to ransack all shops in the area and later made off with his bunch of Oraimo phone cords.
Other affected individuals, including Mrs. Nwiyi Ukamaka and Engr. Chibueze Njoku, recounted their negative experiences and criticized the Ebonyi State government for introducing multiple taxes, despite the ongoing financial difficulties faced by many in the country.
However, Mrs. Uzoke Jacinta, the Head of the Environmental Health Service Department, clarified that the ministry had not authorized the sale of waste bins in the state. She stated that numerous complaints had been lodged with the ministry and warned those sabotaging its efforts to cease their unlawful activities.
When contacted, the state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Victor Chukwu, confirmed the existence of these rogue operators and urged the public to report anyone involved, assuring that they would be arrested and prosecuted.
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Jonathan Nwokpor
