Benue State Dismantles Illegal Roadblocks, Warns Against Extortion

The Benue State Government has taken action to dismantle illegal roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints along the Vandeikiya-Konshisha road. This initiative was announced by Governor Joseph Har during a press briefing in Makurdi on Thursday.

The operation aimed to inspect the area and address the alarming presence of 20 illegal roadblocks, which were reportedly established by untrained individuals and youth groups posing as security personnel. Governor Har described these illegal checkpoints as a needless burden on road users, causing traders to lose time and money due to extortion.

He urged residents to report any cases of illegal checkpoints and extortion to the appropriate authorities to combat this practice effectively. The operation involved collaboration with three officers from the Nigeria Police and community volunteer guards who maintain legitimate checkpoints.