Benue dismantles over 20 illegal roadblocks, checkpoints

The Benue State government on Thursday dismantled more than 20 illegal roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints along the Vandeikya–Konshisha road, warning individuals behind the practice to desist from extorting motorists.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, said that the exercise was carried out during the security adviser’s inspection tour of Konshisha LGA and was welcomed by motorists, commuters and residents, who described the intervention as timely.

He said the operation revealed that over 20 roadblocks had been mounted along the route, but only three were officially approved and operated by the Nigeria Police and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards (BSCVG).

He alleged that the remaining checkpoints were illegally mounted by youth groups, members of the Benue State Motorcycle Owners Association (BEMOA), and individuals posing as Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) or untrained BSCVG personnel to extort money from motorists and traders.

He described the illegal roadblocks as a serious burden on road users, stressing that the practice causes unnecessary delays and financial losses for travellers and traders.

The special adviser warned those involved to dismantle the illegal checkpoints immediately and urged residents to report cases of extortion and unauthorised roadblocks to the appropriate security agencies.

Some motorists and residents commended the security adviser for the intervention and called for sustained patrols, alleging that some unemployed youths often return to re-establish the illegal checkpoints after previous crackdowns.

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