Benin City, Edo State (August 6, 2025) – The Edo State government, under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken decisive action against illegal revenue collection by banning the activities of several transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheels. The ban, effective immediately, prohibits these unions from collecting any form of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public within the state.

In a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, the government expressed grave concern over the resurgence of illegal revenue collection by these unions. The statement further explained that these groups had violated the conditions of their engagement with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, resorting to cash collections, extortions, social harassment, and intimidation.

The ban extends to Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private consultant previously engaged to enforce compliance, due to credible reports indicating their complicity in widespread extortion and abuse of mandate.

The government has deemed these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order. The statement emphasized that the era of using unions as fronts to harass, intimidate, or extort drivers and road users in the name of revenue collection is over.

The Edo State government has issued a stern warning that no individual or group under any of these unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users. Motorists, drivers, and road users are strongly advised not to pay any cash or comply with any form of illegal levy imposed by these banned entities. Any such illegal activity should be reported immediately to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor, at 08038157126.

The Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies have been directed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found violating this directive.

The Edo State government reiterated its commitment to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting its citizens from unlawful exploitation. The government warned that the full weight of the law will be brought upon any parties engaged in or considering such illegal activities.

In a surprising turn of events, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at its retail outlets, just 48 hours after a price increase.

As of Wednesday morning, August 6, 2025, the price at several NNPCL stations in Abuja, including those in Gwarinpa, Kubwa Expressway, Wuse Zone 6, and Wuse Zone 4, has been reduced from ₦955 to ₦900 per litre.

A fuel attendant at an NNPCL outlet in Abuja confirmed the price adjustment, stating that the price on Tuesday was ₦955 per litre, but has now dropped to ₦900. This represents a ₦55 per litre decrease following Monday’s hike.

While NNPCL has taken the lead in reducing prices, some independent marketers have followed suit, albeit not as drastically. Ranoil and Empire Energy stations in Gwarinpa are now selling petrol at ₦955 and ₦950 per litre, respectively, down from ₦971 and ₦970. However, MRS filling stations have maintained their pump price at ₦885.

The earlier price increase had been attributed to a spike in ex-depot prices, particularly from Dangote Refinery and other private depots.

It remains to be seen whether NNPCL’s downward review will trigger a broader reduction across the country’s filling stations. Consumers continue to express concern over the unstable fuel pricing, which has further strained transportation and living costs nationwide.

In a distressing incident in Zamfara State, bandits launched a vicious raid on a local community, abducting 20 women and girls. The attack took place early in the morning, catching residents off guard and instilling fear across the area.

According to reports, the bandits stormed the community, armed and determined, and forced their way into homes. The victims, mostly women and young girls, were taken away against their will, leaving families devastated and community members on high alert.

The local authorities and security forces have since responded to the incident, with efforts underway to rescue the abducted individuals and restore peace to the troubled area. However, the situation highlights the persistent security challenges facing Zamfara and surrounding regions, where banditry and kidnappings have become increasingly common.

Residents are appealing to the government for stronger security measures and urgent intervention to ensure the safe return of the victims. The community remains tense, awaiting further updates as the search and rescue operations continue.

This incident is yet another reminder of the urgent need for sustained action to curb banditry and restore safety to vulnerable communities in Nigeria. We at Phindon Magazine will keep monitoring the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy. Let’s continue to advocate for peace and security in our communities.