Benue Govt dismantles over 20 Illegal Checkpoints 

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

 Benue State Government, on Thursday  announced dismantling of over 20 illegal roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints along some roads in the Vandeikya and Konshisha local government areas of the State.

Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har carried out the operation, during his inspection tour of Konshisha local government area.

He  decried the illegal extortion of commuters along the road, noting that out of the 20 roadblocks, only 2 are legitimately operated by the Nigeria Police and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards [BSCPG].

Chief Har lamented over the illegal establishment of checkpoints by  Benue Motorcycle Association or individuals posing as either Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIO or untrained Benue State Civil Protection Guard, BSCPG personnel who mount these points to extort money from motorists and traders plying the route.    

Har described the situation as a needless burden on road users and traders, who lose both time and money to extortion at these illegal points, warning strongly  against the practice and urged residents to report any case of illegal checkpoints or extortion to the appropriate authorities.  

In their reaction, motorists, commuters and residents expressed gratitude for the intervention, calling for regular patrols and monitoring, noting that unemployed youths often re-establish the checkpoints to continue extorting travelers.From Attah Ede, Makurdi

 Benue State Government, on Thursday  announced dismantling of over 20 illegal roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints along some roads in the Vandeikya and Konshisha local government areas of the State.

Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har carried out the operation, during his inspection tour of Konshisha local government area.

He  decried the illegal extortion of commuters along the road, noting that out of the 20 roadblocks, only 2 are legitimately operated by the Nigeria Police and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards [BSCPG].

Chief Har lamented over the illegal establishment of checkpoints by  Benue Motorcycle Association or individuals posing as either Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIO or untrained Benue State Civil Protection Guard, BSCPG personnel who mount these points to extort money from motorists and traders plying the route.    

Har described the situation as a needless burden on road users and traders, who lose both time and money to extortion at these illegal points, warning strongly  against the practice and urged residents to report any case of illegal checkpoints or extortion to the appropriate authorities.  

In their reaction, motorists, commuters and residents expressed gratitude for the intervention, calling for regular patrols and monitoring, noting that unemployed youths often re-establish the checkpoints to continue extorting travelers.