By Atlantic Reports

Hundreds of articulated vehicles have blocked both lanes of the Makurdi–Lafia dual carriageway in Makurdi, leaving residents and travellers stranded.

The blockade followed an altercation between truck drivers and Nigerian Immigration Service officers at a checkpoint near Agan Toll Gate, according to the Benue State Police Command.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia, said reports indicated that some drivers were injured during the confrontation.

“The drivers came back to the Lafia garage and mobilised others to block the road,” he said.

Orchia said the Makurdi council chairman, the Area Commander and representatives of the drivers were meeting to resolve the dispute.

Damaged Vehicles and Stranded Passengers

The supplied report described smashed front windscreens on some trucks and the presence of military personnel to prevent the situation from escalating.

A military officer, who spoke anonymously, said personnel at the scene did not know precisely what had triggered the confrontation and were there to maintain order.

The officer said some drivers had left their vehicles unattended, making efforts to engage them more difficult.

A passenger in a trapped Sharon bus said the occupants had been stranded since 11 a.m.

The account did not establish the full length of the traffic queue or how many passengers were affected.

Conflicting Details About the Checkpoint Dispute

Truck driver Yusuf Muhammed said he had heard that the dispute began over demands for payment at a revenue checkpoint. He indicated that his vehicle was far behind the scene and that his account of the initial confrontation was second-hand.

According to Muhammed, drivers whose windscreens were damaged were demanding replacements before moving their vehicles.

His account of payment demands was not independently established. The police statement identified an altercation with immigration officers but did not explain what prompted it or who damaged the windscreens.

The supplied material contained no account from the Nigerian Immigration Service and did not specify the number or severity of the reported injuries.

As officials and drivers’ representatives met, the immediate concern remained reopening the highway and allowing stranded road users to continue their journeys. No reopening time was provided.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.