By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Acting Executive Chairman, Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) Mr Emmanuel Agema has disclosed that the service under his watch has retrieved and recovered no fewer than fifteen stolen vehicles during vehicle renewal and change of ownership processes.
Mr Agema who made this disclosure while interacting with the leadership of the Benue Motorcycle Association, BEMOA, Otukpo branch at the revenue house, Makurdi, said BIRS has made it mandatory that, for every change of ownership investigation must be carried out, stressing that the first owner much also be contacted before the process will commence.
In a statement by the Media Assistant to the Executive Chairman, Jacinta Bernard, explained that the initiative has made it possible for stolen vehicles to be retrieved, recovered and are handed over to the real owners, while the criminals have been handed over to the police.
It could be recalled that the tripartite operation of BIRS, FRSC, VIO, led by the Chairman, embarked on operation show your vehicle particulars, which attracted massive registration, renewal of vehicle licenses and change of ownership, leading to the recovery of fifteen stolen vehicles.
“It is important to note that, the Chairman has made it compulsory that, for every change of ownership, there must be an investigation carried out and the last owner of the vehicle must be contacted before the process commences.
“This initiative has made it possible for stolen vehicles to be retrieved, recovered and are handed over to the real owners while the criminals have been handed over to the Police to face the full wrath of the law.”
The Chairman reiterated his resolve to ensure that such criminality is reduced to it minimal, while improving on revenue generation for the state from that sector for faster development. He urged the BEMOA leadership to encourage their members to register and renew their vehicle particulars.