Benue dismantles over 20 illegal checkpoints on highway
July 3, 2026 12:12 am
File: Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia
By John Charles
Benue State Government has dismantled illegal roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints along the Vandeikiya-Konshisha road.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Makurdi on Thursday.
According to Har, the operation was carried out during his inspection tour of Konahisha, adding that both residents and commuters were happy as a result of the exercise.
He said, “Findings from the route were alarming: more than 20 roadblocks had been mounted, yet only three, being 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 to extort money from motorists and traders plying the route.”
The security adviser described the situation as a needless burden on road users and traders, who, he said, lose both time and money to extortion at the illegal points.
Har warned against the practice and urged residents to report any case of illegal checkpoints or extortion to the appropriate authorities.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]