News Investigators/ The Commissioner of Police in Benue, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has ordered the immediate dismantling of all illegal checkpoints, roadblocks and unauthorised revenue collection points across the state.
Mr Nwadiogbu’s directive was announced in a statement by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, on Friday in Makurdi.
The commissioner said that the directive was aimed at improving public safety and ensuring free movement of traffic and end harassment and extortion of road users.
He said the order covers all roads in the state, with particular emphasis on major federal highways, including the Makurdi-Lafia, Makurdi-Gboko, Ugbema-Vandeikya, Gboko-Aliade and Otukpo-Otukpa routes.
Mr Nwadiogbu directed all area commanders, divisional police officers and commanders of tactical units to ensure immediate and strict compliance within their areas of responsibility.
The commissioner clarified that only security checkpoints duly authorised by the appropriate authorities and manned by recognised security personnel with proper identification would be allowed to operate.
The commissioner urged members of the public to report incidents of extortion, harassment or suspicious checkpoints to the nearest police station, security formation or relevant government agency for prompt action.
He warned that anyone found establishing, operating or collecting revenue at unauthorised checkpoints would face disciplinary and legal action in line with extant laws.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
He also assured residents and travellers that the force, in collaboration with other security agencies, remained resolute at ensuring safety across Benue.
He further appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies by reporting suspicious persons, movements, vehicles and other criminal activities through the nearest police station or the command’s emergency lines.
NAN