Traders protest multiple taxation in Benue, block highway

Market unions and traders in Benue State have protested the “multiple taxation” imposed on them by the government.

The protest held at the tomato markets in Tarka and Ushongo local government areas.

Tarhembe market in Tarka council was shut as traders blocked the Makurdi-Gboko highway, causing a gridlock for about four hours.

Sunnex Connect gathered that, Traders in Lessel market in Ushongo council blocked the highway and made a bonfire.

There was no vehicular movement for hours as stranded passengers lined up at both ends of the Ogoja, Cross River State, express road.

Youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Tarka, Comrade Justine Anzembe, supported the protest. He berated the idea of asking a J5 bus loaded with tomatoes to pay N40,000, saying this would make it difficult for both the sellers and buyers to make profit.

Comrade Anzembe warned that if the government does not check the action of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), voters will react negatively come 2019 general election.

However, an official of the BIRS, who pleaded for anonymity, said the multiple taxation was caused by the traders and their associations.

He said the federal, state and local governments collects revenue in various markets, thereafter, market unions also imposed their own tax on members.

According to him, the BIRS operates within the tax law passed by the State House of Assembly. He, however, promised to look into the allegations.