Ortom refute ownership, knowledge of acquired hecters of land in Benue
…Call on more investors into the State
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Following the accusations and counter accusations that the Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has acquired large scale of land along Makurdi to Gboko road, Governor Ortom has debunked in its entirety of acquiring the land and knowledge about what the land is being used for.
Ortom dismissed the accusations while briefing Journalists on his zero knowledge about the land and what it is being used for shortly after he led State delegation on the spot assessment of the land, refuted having knowledge about the land and the purpose for which the land was acquired.
Ortom also called on more private investors within and outside the country to come to the state to explore the investment opportunities available in the Food Basket State of the nation.
The Governor explained that even though the company has breached the process of acquiring the land and being the only one in the State with the exclusive right by law to assent to all certificates of occupancy on land was denied knowledge of the land acquisition by the company in the State but due to the value attach to the Pure Biotech Company, a private organisation into Ethanol production to the economic development of the state and Nigeria at large, he has accepted the company’s earlier apology through the State representative of the Company.
He noted that over 2,500 Benue youths would be provided with jobs through the Company and would reduce insecurity occasioned by unemployed Youths and also create wealth along the value chain.
The Governor urged the management of Pure Biotech to immediately erect a signpost to educate the people about the activities of the Company.
He charged the host community to provide security for the facility, even as he directed security agencies to provide surveillance and patrols to encourage more investors to the State.
Earlier, State representative of the company, Mr. Stephen Numbeve, explained that Pure Biotech Company Limited is into Ethanol production with 500 and 300 metric tonnes of fresh and dried cassava respectively daily as raw materials and would take 2,500 persons off the street through employment.
He apologised on behalf of the company for not following due procedures for the acquisition of land and siting of the company, saying they would retrace their steps and fulfil necessary conditions as law abiding citizens.
Mr. Numbeve said the company acquired 25.4 hectares of land for the development of facilities at the company, adding that construction Work on the site commenced in January 2021.
