Anambra markets invaded by NSCDC agents with guns

Crisis Looms In Anambra State As AK47-Wielding Tax Collectors Invade Markets, Demanding Outrageous Amounts

by Okechukwu
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For many in Anambra State, yesterday, 8th March 2021, was just another day, just another Monday to resume work, school, and re-open shops. For many in Anambra markets, however, it was a day to remember as many traders were put in extreme danger when the state agents for taxes hit their shops.

The traders who spoke to AnaedoOnline said they are not against paying taxes and a visit to the Anambra State Internal Revenue website showed that there are two types of income taxes – Direct Assessment Tax (quoted for self-employed persons) and Pay-As-You-Earn (quoted for persons in employment). It was the first type that brought the task force to the market places.

The problem for the traders is the amount – the taxes quoted are outrageous sums, ranging from 1 million naira to 4 million naira in a marketplace where many shop owners struggle to keep their business afloat while grappling with running costs and bills at home in an economy that is yet to recover from the pandemic.

One of the traders who spoke with us (his name is withheld as he fears victimization by the government) said, “They don’t bother to look at your books to see your flow of income and your business capacity. They judge the amount to quote for you based on how ‘flamboyant’ it seems you are living.”

Due to the quotes outweighing income, many traders are unable to pay which brings to the fore the second problem: the manner of approach. “How can you come to my shop with 12 NSCDC staff carrying AK47 rifles?” the trader lamented and went on to describe how he was manhandled and humiliated by the agents of the government in Nkwo Market, Nnewi, who barged into his shop Gestapo-style.

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Taking dozens of security personnel to Anambra markets in a state where some communities dread going to their farmland for fear of being attacked by Fulani herdsmen and where criminal herders get away with rape paints this act in a  bad light no matter how you look at it and to the extent you would go to play a devil’s advocate.

Mrs. Ekpechi is the Chief Controller of Tax Nnewi North Local Government Area and whom the traders say is responsible for their agonies. As of the time of filing this report, we are unsuccessful in our quest to reach Mrs. Ekpechi. We would give updates when we hear her side of the story and gather more details.

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