Residents of Nyiman/Achussah Layout in Makurdi, Benue State, have staged a peaceful protest over the alleged abandonment of road construction projects in their community, citing excessive dust and its potential health implications.
The residents called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to prioritise the completion of ongoing road projects across the state before commencing new ones, lamenting that the delay in completing the roads has exposed them to persistent dust.
One of the protesters, identified as Simon Torkuma, said the residents were not opposed to the governor’s infrastructure development efforts but urged the administration to execute road projects in phases to ensure timely completion.
According to him, completing one or two roads before moving to other locations would prevent prolonged construction delays and reduce the health risks associated with inhaling excessive dust.
Torkuma also commended Governor Alia for opening up communities in Makurdi through road construction, suggesting that the governor might not be aware that work had stalled on some projects.
Meanwhile, the Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticised the state government over what it described as a growing number of abandoned road projects.
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In a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, the party described the residents’ protest as evidence of growing dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of infrastructure development.
The PDP accused the government of prioritising publicity and project flag-offs over the actual completion and delivery of public infrastructure.
However, the Benue State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, dismissed claims that any road project had been abandoned.
Iorpev appealed to the residents to remain patient, insisting that Governor Alia remained committed to delivering quality and durable roads across the state.
He maintained that construction activities were ongoing in different parts of Makurdi and accused the PDP of instigating residents against the state government.
The commissioner assured residents that the affected projects would be completed soon.
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