Benue: Alia approves construction of Ichama-Ugbokolo, Oju-Awaji, Ugboju-Onyagede roads, others

The Benue State government, under Governor Hyacinth Alia, has approved several key infrastructure projects for the Benue South Senatorial District.

Deputy Governor Sam Odeh made this disclosure in a video message aired during the just-concluded Idoma Association USA 28th annual convention.

Odeh was addressing concerns that the state’s projects have predominantly benefited Tiv-speaking areas.

Odeh refuted the belief held by some that Governor Alia is biased towards his tribe, affirming that the governor has planned several projects for the Benue South Senatorial District, which will be initiated in the near future.

The deputy governor said, “We understand that infrastructure is critical to both security and economic growth.

“The state government has therefore embarked on several road construction and rehabilitation projects to improve access and connectivity within our communities. This includes the Oju-Awaji Road, which cuts across Oju-Obi federal constituencies, enhancing connectivity and facilitating the movement of goods and people.

“The proposed Obagaji-Okoklo-Agade Road cuts across the two local governments that make up the Apa/Agatu federal constituency. This particular road will provide better access and support agricultural activities in various sub-districts of the state.

“The proposed Ichama-Okpoga-Ugbokolo Road in Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadigbo federal constituencies. These roads, which will kick off soon, will improve transportation networks and boost local economies.

“The Ugboju-Onyagede Road is conceived to cover the Otukpo/Ohimini federal constituency, connecting communities within the federal constituency and fostering economic interactions.

“In addition to these major trunk routes, we have also proposed Otukpo township roads, including an overhead bridge in Otukpo township to ease traffic around the Enugu roundabout.

“In addition to this, we have the Edikwu-Eiupi link road, which is proposed for construction any moment from now.

“We are going to construct Jos Street, Ugbokolo Street, Ochekwu Street, Onitsha Street, among others. The Salem Hospital Road is one of those roads to be captured by Phase 1 of this initiative.”

On the issue of insecurity in Idoma land, Odeh noted that a Bureau for Homeland Security has been established by the government of Benue State to tackle the menace.

He added, “This specialized unit will work alongside the existing security agencies to provide a robust security framework, ensuring that our communities are rid of herders’ attacks and other criminal practices so that economic activities can flourish without fear of disruption.

“It is important to note that the manpower for this Homeland Security is going to be drawn from youths in our communities, thereby providing what is similar to the local policing that we have always been agitating for.”