The Benue State Government has dismantled several illegal roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints mounted along the Vandeikiya-Konshisha road as part of efforts to curb extortion and improve security for road users.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Makurdi on Thursday following an inspection tour of Konshisha Local Government Area.
Har said the exercise was well received by residents and motorists, who expressed relief after the removal of the illegal checkpoints.
According to him, the inspection revealed widespread abuse of the road by individuals and groups operating unauthorised roadblocks.
He explained that more than 20 checkpoints were discovered along the route, but only three were found to be legitimate.
“Findings from the route were alarming: more than 20 roadblocks had been mounted, yet only three, which were operated by the Nigeria Police and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, were legitimate.
“The remaining checkpoints were erected illegally by youth groups, or individuals posing as either VIO officials or untrained BSCPG personnel who mount these points to extort money from motorists and traders plying the route,” he said.
The governor’s security adviser described the illegal checkpoints as an unnecessary hardship for commuters and traders travelling along the road.
He noted that many motorists had been forced to part with money at multiple points while also experiencing delays caused by the unauthorised roadblocks.
Har warned individuals and groups against establishing illegal checkpoints or engaging in extortion under any guise.
He also appealed to members of the public to report any incidents involving unauthorised roadblocks or extortion to the appropriate security agencies for prompt action.
According to him, the state government remains committed to ensuring that roads across Benue are safe and free from illegal activities that inconvenience residents and hinder economic activities.
