The Benue State Government on Wednesday dismantled illegal roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints along the Vandeikya-Konshisha Road.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, who spoke to newsmen in Makurdi on Thursday, said the operation was carried out during a tour of Konshisha on Wednesday.
According to Har, motorists, residents and commuters in the area expressed joy over the operation.
Har said, ‘Findings from the route were alarming: more than 20 roadblocks had been mounted, yet only three, which were 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 Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) personnel, who mounted these points 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 these illegal points.
Har warned against the practice and urged residents to report any cases of illegal checkpoints or extortion to the appropriate authorities.