Benue pays N7.1bn compensation to property owners affected by federal road projects

The Benue State Government has allocated approximately N7.1 billion to compensate property owners impacted by federal road projects throughout the state. Engr. Tivfa Wombo, the Director of Civil Engineering in the state Ministry of Works, disclosed this information during a tour of ongoing road projects in Makurdi, accompanied by Commissioner for Works Hon.

Aii Yenge. Wombo provided insights into the government's financial measures during a briefing with the newly appointed commissioner and journalists about the projects undertaken by the ministry and other steps taken to support road construction across Benue.

N5 billion has been paid as compensation for properties located within the right-of-way of the Makurdi-Enugu road dualisation project, a federal initiative currently under construction from Wurukum to the Benue-Nugu boundary. The compensation was approved by Governor Hyacinth Alia to ensure the availability of the necessary corridor for the Federal Government and contractors.

An additional N1.3 billion was disbursed to compensate affected entities around Wurukum, facilitating construction activities in the area. These affected entities included military and immigration facilities, shops near the rice market, banks, Shafa filling station, and other establishments situated within the right-of-way of the project.

The state government also released N800 million in compensation for properties affected by road construction activities in Buruku, explaining that certain structures impacted by the River Buruku bridge project belonged to individuals who had complied with the government's compensation process prior to their properties being demolished for construction purposes.

Wombo clarified that the Wurukum flyover is a distinct project separate from the Wurukum-Air Force Base-Tyomu road, which was approved by Governor Alia and presented by the Federal Government during its flag-off ceremony led by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. Wombo affirmed that the Ministry of Works had completed its responsibilities with regard to the discussed projects, highlighting that the interventions aimed to eliminate obstacles and facilitate the smooth execution of federal road projects across Benue.