The paramount ruler of the Tiv Nation and Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, Prof. James Ayatse, has expressed deep concern over the proliferation of unauthorized checkpoints across Benue State, warning that the illegal roadblocks are contributing to the rising cost of food across the state and beyond.

The Tor Tiv made the remarks during a courtesy visit to his palace by the newly appointed acting Executive Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Mr. Joseph Kwaghgba, and members of his management team.

According to the monarch, the unauthorized checkpoints are being used to extort money from farmers and traders under the guise of tax collection. He said the practice discourages farmers from transporting their produce from rural communities to urban markets, thereby disrupting agricultural trade and driving up food prices.

“We have received disturbing reports of over 40 illegal checkpoints between Zaki Biam and Ugbema, and along the Ihugh-Gboko road,” Prof. Ayatse stated, calling on relevant security agencies to take urgent action to dismantle the roadblocks.

He also charged the leadership of BIRS to ensure transparency and accountability in tax administration. The Tor Tiv advised the agency to adopt modern ICT tools to improve the integrity of the tax system and enhance the state’s internally generated revenue.

He urged Mr. Kwaghgba and his team to uphold lawful practices, stressing that taxation must be legal, humane, and transparent.

In his remarks, the acting Executive Chairman of BIRS, Mr. Joseph Kwaghgba, expressed appreciation to the Tor Tiv for the warm reception and described the visit as a homecoming. He informed the monarch of his recent appointment by Governor Hyacinth Alia and sought his royal blessings and guidance.

Mr. Kwaghgba appealed for the monarch’s support in tackling illegal levy points and urged him to direct other traditional rulers under his jurisdiction to cooperate with the government’s tax reforms.

He warned against allowing communities to erect unauthorized roadblocks, saying such practices hurt farmers, traders, and road users, and undermine the state’s revenue efforts.