{
  "id": 1021885,
  "title": "Benue: Alia never abandoned Agatu – Ejeh fires back at critics",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/benue-alia-never-abandoned-agatu-ejeh-fires-back-at-critics",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-15T11:23:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/15/benue-alia-never-abandoned-agatu-ejeh-fires-back-at-critics/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Melvin Ejeh, Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, has defended Governor Hyacinth Alia against accusations that he abandoned Agatu. Ejeh dismissed the claims as false and politically motivated, stating that the governor's active support is crucial for Agatu's development. He highlighted several achievements under Alia's administration, such as the construction of a 43-kilometre road that is already transforming security and economic access in the area. The road, which passes through previously insecure communities, is expected to cut travel time between Makurdi and Agatu by two hours when completed. Ejeh also praised Governor Alia for appointing an indigene of Agatu, Dr Margaret Adekemi Ijaguwa, as Commissioner for Education, and for including Agatu in a World Bank-supported SOLID project, which is expected to deploy over $5 million to support displaced persons and conflict-affected communities.",
  "summary": "The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Melvin Ejeh, has come to the defence of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, dismissing claims that he has abandoned the LGA as false and politically motivated. Ejeh, who spoke in direct response to allegations by the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, said the unprecedented interventions […] Benue: Alia never abandoned Agatu – Ejeh fires…",
  "key_points": [
    "Governor Hyacinth Alia defended by Melvin Ejeh against abandonment claims.",
    "43-kilometre road construction improves security, economic access in Agatu.",
    "Dr Margaret Adekemi Ijaguwa appointed Commissioner for Education by Alia."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}