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Ushongo LG Chairman Calls for Immediate End to Police Extortion on Gboko-Lessel-Iugh Road
Hon. Terkimbi Adzu, Chairman of Ushongo Local Government Council, has raised a serious alarm over the illegal extortion of commercial motorcyclists by police officers manning unauthorized checkpoints along the Gboko-Lessel-Iugh road.
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In a strongly worded letter, the Chairman disclosed that during a burial ceremony he attended earlier this year at Adikpo Mbaagwa in Atirkyese Ward, he was personally forced to pay unauthorized fees at multiple police checkpoints. The extortion, according to the letter, disproportionately targets commercial motorcyclists, particularly those riding Bajaj and Honda motorcycles.
“My attempts to report this incident to your office were unsuccessful, as I was unable to meet with you, and my subsequent phone calls were not returned,” the Chairman stated in the communication. “Due to your inaccessibility, I am left with no choice but to bring this matter to your attention through this medium.”
Hon. Adzu has demanded swift action, calling on the relevant authorities to direct the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to immediately instruct his personnel to stop the illegal extortion of money from motorcyclists plying the route. He further urged a significant reduction in the number of checkpoints in the area, describing them as excessive and unnecessary.
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“This illegal practice is causing immense hardship to our hardworking commercial motorcyclists who rely on this road for their daily livelihood,” the Chairman emphasized. “We will not tolerate any form of extortion or harassment of our citizens by security operatives.”
The Chairman has copied the letter to key stakeholders, including:
- Hon. Saater Tiseer
- Hon. Simon Gabo, Honorable Member representing Ushongo in the Benue State House of Assembly
- Comr. Anayagher Gabriel
The Ushongo Local Government Council reaffirms its commitment to the welfare and security of all residents and urges the Nigeria Police Force to investigate this matter thoroughly and restore public confidence in law enforcement along the affected road.
