Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Benue State Government has dismantled more than 20 illegal roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints along the Vandeikya–Konshisha Road, an operation that has brought relief to commuters and traders who have long suffered extortion and delays at the hands of illegal toll collectors.
The exercise, carried out on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, followed an inspection tour of Konshisha by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har. Speaking to journalists in Makurdi on Thursday, July 2, Har revealed that the findings from the route were alarming. More than 20 roadblocks had been mounted along the road, yet only three were legitimate. Those three were operated by the Nigeria Police Force and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards. The remaining checkpoints, he said, were erected illegally by youth groups or individuals posing as Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) or untrained personnel of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG), who used the points to extort money from motorists and traders plying the route.
Har described the situation as a needless burden on road users and traders, who lost both time and money to extortion at these illegal points. He warned against the practice and urged residents to report any cases of illegal checkpoints or extortion to the appropriate authorities.
The operation comes just days after the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, issued a directive ordering the immediate dismantling of all illegal checkpoints, roadblocks, and unauthorised revenue collection points across the state. The police commissioner had warned that anyone found violating the order would face decisive disciplinary and legal action. The synergy between the state government and the police command reflects a renewed commitment to tackling extortion and improving the ease of doing business in the state.
Residents and commuters have expressed relief over the removal of the illegal checkpoints, many of which had become notorious for harassment and illegal toll collection. The state government has called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any resurgence of such activities to the appropriate authorities.
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