The Benue State Police Command has called on motorists to report any security personnel demanding illegal payments at checkpoints along the Gboko-Zaki Biam highway. This appeal comes amid complaints of alleged extortion by commercial transport operators. The police spokesperson, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, is strongly against corruption and harassment of civilians. Motorists can report erring officers to the Commissioner through the PPRO's office.
Drivers plying the Gboko-Zaki Biam route claimed they were forced to pay amounts ranging from N200 to N1,000 at checkpoints, adding to the cost of operating on a road with poor conditions. The police leadership has assured that complaints against officers involved in misconduct will be forwarded to the Commissioner of Police. The Benue State Police Command has lines for people to report any officer misbehaving on the road.
Despite the police appeal, observations indicate that the alleged practice of extortion continues. A correspondent who recently travelled through the Gboko-Zaki Biam corridor reported that police and military personnel were still receiving money from commercial drivers at different checkpoints. This development raises questions about compliance with an earlier order by the state police command to withdraw unauthorised checkpoints and roadblocks.
The Benue State Police Command had directed the withdrawal of unauthorised checkpoints and roadblocks across Benue. However, it appears that some security personnel are still operating at these checkpoints, demanding money from motorists. The police have urged motorists to report any officer extorting them on the highway.
The alleged extortion has added to the cost of operating on the Gboko-Zaki Biam highway, which is already plagued by poor conditions. Commercial transport operators have expressed concerns over the alleged routine collections by security operatives deployed along the road. The police have assured that they will not condone the abuse of authority or demands for illegal payments from members of the public.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption and harassment of civilians. Motorists are encouraged to report any officer misbehaving on the road. The police have provided lines for people to report any erring officer.
The Benue State Police Command is working to address the issue of extortion on the Gboko-Zaki Biam highway. Motorists are urged to cooperate with the police by reporting any officer demanding illegal payments. The police will investigate complaints and take necessary actions against erring officers.
Key points
- Motorists can report erring officers to the Commissioner through the PPRO's office.
- The police leadership has assured that complaints against officers involved in misconduct will be forwarded to the Commissioner of Police.
- The alleged practice of extortion continues despite the police appeal.
