Hundreds of articulated vehicles have blocked the two lanes of the Makurdi-Lafia dual carriage highway in Makurdi. The situation left locals and travellers passing through Makurdi stranded.
It was observed that the front windscreens of some of the vehicles were smashed. The presence of military personnel to ensure the situation did not escalate was also observed.
One of the military personnel who spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity said that they do not know exactly what transpired, but they were around to ensure law and order.
The personnel said that the situation was compounded by the absence of the drivers who abandoned their vehicles and left the scene.
According to him, they could have interfaced with them towards resolving the issues.
A driver, Yusuf Muhammed, told NAN that the problem started at a revenue checkpoint where drivers were compelled to pay.
“I cannot say exactly how it started because my vehicle is very far behind, but I learnt that the drivers whose windscreens were smashed are insisting that they must be replaced before they leave the road,” he said.
A passenger travelling in a Sharon bus that got trapped in the middle of the blockade said that they had been there since 11 am.
When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Benue Command, DSP Aondogu Orchia said the cause of the blockade is an altercation between the truck drivers and Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) officers at the checkpoint close to Agan Toll Gate.
Orchia said that according to reports, they had an altercation, and some of the drivers were injured.
“The drivers came back to the Lafia garage and mobilised others to block the road.
“Currently, the Makurdi Council Chairman, the Area Commander, and the leadership of the drivers are in a meeting to resolve the issue,” he said.
