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Residents of Gboko Local Government Area in Benue State have formally petitioned Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, demanding an immediate investigation into what they describe as rampant illegal revenue collection practices by the Revenue Secretary of the Gboko chapter, Hon. Terfa Adams.
In the petition, citizens accused Hon. Adams of systematically overcharging traders, business owners, and residents far beyond the officially approved revenue tariffs. According to the complainants, while legitimate government rates range between ₦1,000 and ₦10,000 depending on the category of payment, many individuals are being forced to pay between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000, with some cases reportedly reaching as high as ₦100,000.
The petitioners further alleged that Hon. Adams obtained original revenue receipt booklets directly from the Executive Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area and, without any authorization, reprinted them for use in these unauthorized collections. They claimed he has been employing an official government stamp alongside a team of enforcers to intimidate and coerce citizens and market traders into making the inflated payments.
Concerns have also been raised about the possible misuse of the collected funds. Residents asserted that proceeds from these over-the-top levies are allegedly being channeled into the construction of personal properties and shops in various market areas, fueling suspicions of abuse of office, unexplained wealth accumulation, and outright corruption.
The petition, signed by a group of concerned citizens from Gboko Local Government Area, called on multiple authorities to act swiftly. They urged Governor Alia, the Executive Chairman of Gboko LGA, the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), and relevant anti-corruption bodies—including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)—to launch a comprehensive probe into the allegations.
“The people of Gboko deserve transparent revenue administration and protection from exploitation by public officials,” the petitioners stated in the document. They emphasized that unchecked practices of this nature undermine public trust, stifle local economic activity, and erode confidence in governance at the grassroots level.
The development comes amid broader frustrations in parts of Benue State over revenue generation methods at the local government level, where similar complaints of over-taxation and extortion have surfaced in recent times. As of the time of this report, neither the Gboko Local Government administration nor the office of Governor Alia has issued an official response to the petition.
The residents’ call for accountability highlights ongoing tensions between local officials and communities in Benue, where demands for fiscal transparency and protection against exploitative practices continue to grow louder.
