Cletus Nwadiogbu, the commissioner of police in the state of Benue, has issued an urgent order for the destruction of all unlawful revenue collecting sites, checkpoints, and roadblocks in the state.
The purpose of the instruction, which was revealed in a statement released on Friday by DSP Udeme Edet, the Police Public Relations Officer, is to prevent the harassment and extortion of commuters by unlawful revenue collectors, improve public safety, and ensure the free flow of traffic.
All roadways in the state are subject to the directive, with important federal highways such as the Makurdi-Lafia, Makurdi-Gboko, Ugbema-Vandeikya, Gboko-Aliade, and Otukpo-Otukpa roads being specifically included in the announcement.
Quick compliance within one’s own jurisdiction was ordered by the Commissioner to be ensured by all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Unit Commanders.
In order for security checkpoints to function in the state, he explained, they must have the required approvals and be staffed by authorised security officers with identification.
Concerned citizens should contact their local police station, security formation, or government body immediately in the event of extortion, harassment, or suspicious roadblocks, according to Nwadiogbu.
He issued a stern warning that anybody who erected or operated checkpoints without proper authorisation or collected money from unapproved sites would be subject to appropriate disciplinary and legal measures.
Residents of Benue State should rest assured, according to the police commissioner, that the Nigerian Police Force and other security services are fully dedicated to protecting lives and property.
In addition, he urged everyone to keep an eye out for suspicious people, vehicles, or activity and to report them to the local police station or the emergency lines of the Benue State Police Command.