Benue clears out unauthorized checkpoints, cautions against bribery and harassment

The Benue State Government has taken down unauthorized checkpoints and dismantled roadblocks that were operating illegally along the Vandeikiya-Konshisha road.

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Joseph Har, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, revealed this information during a conversation with journalists in Makurdi on Thursday.

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According to Har, the removal of these checkpoints was carried out during his inspection tour of Konshisha, and it brought happiness to both residents and commuters who use the road.

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Har's findings from the route showed that there were more than 20 roadblocks in place, but only three of them, operated by the Nigeria Police and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, were legitimate.

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The remaining checkpoints, he explained, were set up by youth groups or individuals pretending to be VIO officials or untrained BSCPG personnel, with the sole purpose of extorting money from motorists and traders using the route.

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The security adviser viewed the situation as an unnecessary burden on road users and traders, who lose valuable time and money to extortion at these illegal checkpoints.

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Har cautioned against this practice and encouraged residents to report any instances of illegal checkpoints or extortion to the relevant authorities.