The Edo State Government has alerted the public of the antics of an illegal taskforce out to extort unsuspecting members of the public over urban and regional planning infractions in Benin metropolis.
In a statement, Commissioner for Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, said the state government has established modus operandi and would never collect cash from members of the public, as is the practice of the illegal taskforce.
She said the Ministry has set up a whistleblowing platform for members of the public to report suspicious activities so as to safeguard unsuspecting property owners from fraudsters. The whistleblowing platform can be reached on: 09150783459.
According to her, “There is an illegal taskforce claiming to be from the Ministry extorting money from unsuspecting people.
“The Edo State Government staff must show a valid government ID card which the public is at liberty to take a photo of. We will also never take cash as the government operates a cashless policy.”
She added: “All planning permit/approval transactions must emanate from the issuance of a bill in our office. The public should insist on the issuance of contravention notices where applicable and come to our office for clarifications.
“Please report any officer demanding cash to the Ministry of Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development Whistle Blowing line: 09150783459. Please be guided.”