Benue dismantles 20 illegal checkpoints

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Benue State Government has dismantled more than 20 illegal roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints along the Vandeikya-Konshisha Road as part of efforts to curb extortion and ease movement for commuters.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, disclosed this in a statement signed by his media aide, Mfa Igirgi, on Thursday.

Har said the operation was carried out during an inspection tour of Konshisha Local Government Area and was welcomed by motorists, commuters and residents.

He said findings showed that more than 20 checkpoints had been mounted along the route, but only three were legitimate and jointly operated by the Nigeria Police and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards (BSCVG).

“The remaining checkpoints were erected illegally by youth groups, the Benue Motorcycle Association (BEMOA), or individuals posing as Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) or untrained members of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards to extort motorists and traders,” he said.

Har described the situation as an unnecessary burden on road users and traders, who lose both time and money to extortion.

He warned against the practice and urged residents to report illegal checkpoints and extortion to the appropriate authorities.

Motorists, commuters and residents commended the government for the intervention and called for regular patrols along the road, noting that unemployed youths often return to re-establish the illegal checkpoints after officials leave the area.

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