Benue Assembly intensifies probe into N68.3bn road project
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The Benue State House of Assembly has escalated its investigation into the contentious dualisation of the Wurukum-Air Force Base road, calling on key state officials, including the Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Urban Development, Hon. Isaac Tiza Imojime, and the contractor responsible for the project, to offer detailed justifications for the significant N68.329 billion allocated to the project.
The hearing has been scheduled for Friday, 4th April 2025.
This heightened scrutiny comes after Rt. Hon. Anthony Agom, representing Okpokwu State Constituency, raised a motion of urgent public importance, expressing concern over the growing public outcry regarding the seemingly excessive cost of the road project.
“The substantial funds allocated to this road project necessitate a thorough examination. The public is questioning why such a large sum is being spent, and it is our duty in this House to seek clarification,” Agom stated.
Hon. Alfred Emberga, representing Makurdi North State Constituency, supported the motion, underlining that the amount involved appeared disproportionately high for the scope of the project.
“We must ensure that public funds are used wisely. The expenditure for this relatively small road project demands an immediate and transparent explanation,” Emberga added.
In response, the House has directed the Commissioner for Finance to halt any further payments to the contractor until the investigation is concluded. The summoned officials are expected to present detailed justifications for the financial outlay, including a breakdown of costs involved.
Alongside the inquiry into the road project, the House has also called upon key figures from the state’s security and governance apparatus to address the rising wave of killings and kidnappings in Otukpo and surrounding local governments.
Rt. Hon. Micheal Audu, who introduced the second motion, drew attention to the ongoing violence, particularly the repeated attacks by Fulani herdsmen in towns such as Otukpo, Asa, and Opa-Adoka.
“We are witnessing a growing humanitarian crisis, with lives lost and families devastated. The response from both local government and security agencies appears either overwhelmed or ineffective,” Audu said.
The House has also summoned the Director General of Homeland Security, as well as the local government chairmen of the affected areas, to explain the measures taken to address and curb the escalating violence.
