Why Gov. Alia ordered demolition of Oladam’s Place in Makurdi

Fresh details have emerged on why Benue State ordered the demolition of Oladam’s Place, a popular bar and restaurant in GRA, Makurdi.

IDOMA VOICE reports that the establishment was demolished on Friday on the direct order of Governor Alia.

The owner, Hon. Samuel Onuh, confirmed the development to IDOMA VOICE on Saturday, saying the governor gave the order after noticing that a tree in front of the bar had been trimmed during a visit to the area.

Onuh insisted that he did not cut the tree as alleged, but merely trimmed the long branches that provide shade for his customers.

“The governor personally visited the place, became angry, and called the Urban Development officials, ordering that the bar be demolished,” Onuh said.

He added that the officials arrived, confronted his manager, beat him severely, and took him away. “I don’t even know where they took him to,” he said.

“How can I cut a tree that serves my business? We only trimmed the branches. The governor didn’t even allow us to collect our belongings. I had been renovating the bar and spent a lot to upgrade it within the week, only to be shocked by this act. Life goes on,” he told IDOMA VOICE.

Onuh, a former chairman of Ogbadigbo LGA and a chieftain of the APC, is currently contesting for the Senate seat in Benue South.