Editorial: A Ray of hope for the dilapidated Makurdi-Otukpo road

The plight of commuters traveling from Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, to Otukpo, the headquarters of the Benue South Senatorial District, via Alaide has long been a harrowing tale of endurance.

What should be a journey of a mere 1 hour and 30 minutes has transformed into a grueling 4-hour odyssey.

The Makurdi-Otukpo road, once a lifeline, has become a notorious stretch claiming lives, liberty, and sanity.

Over the years, this vital road has been a silent executioner, claiming victims through accidents, abductions, and, tragically, fatalities.

In the year 2023 alone, the road has witnessed over 20 incidents involving death, abductions, or accidents.

A chilling testament to the dangers that plague this crucial artery.

One incident that stands out is the killing of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) by kidnappers along this treacherous route. The road, via Alaide, has collapsed entirely, forcing desperate travelers to divert to the Naka road. However, even this alternative has been marred by the looming threat of kidnappers.

The recent approval and award of the contract for the reconstruction of the Makurdi-Otukpo road bring a glimmer of hope to the beleaguered commuters.

This decision is a commendable step in the right direction, and credit must be given where it is due.

President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, deserve acknowledgment for prioritizing the rehabilitation of this critical infrastructure.

As we celebrate this development, caution is warranted. The memory of the abandoned dualization project of Otukpo Township road, after initial mobilization by Rockbridge, still lingers. The call for vigilant monitoring of the Makurdi-Otukpo road project is essential to prevent a recurrence of such abandonment.

It is also crucial for residents along the road to actively cooperate with the contractors during the project’s execution. The success of this endeavor is contingent on a collaborative effort between the government, contractors, and the local community.

While we cautiously celebrate the dawn of a new era for the Makurdi-Otukpo road, the specter of skepticism hovers, fueled by past experiences like the visit of former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, to flag off the road, which ultimately led to abandonment.

The citizens and stakeholders alike must remain vigilant, ensuring that promises are fulfilled, and the road is finally restored to a state befitting its significance.