The Benue State Government has committed approximately N7.1 billion in compensation to property owners impacted by federal road projects throughout the state. Engr. Tivfa Wombo, the Director of Civil Engineering in the state Ministry of Works, revealed this financial intervention during a recent inspection of ongoing road projects in Makurdi, which was led by the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Aii Yenge.

Wombo detailed that N5 billion of the total compensation was allocated to properties affected by the dualisation of the Makurdi-Enugu road, a significant federal initiative currently underway from the Wurukum area towards the Benue-Nugu boundary. The compensation payments were sanctioned by Governor Hyacinth Alia to ensure that the necessary corridor was available for the Federal Government and its contractors to proceed with the project.

In addition to the Makurdi-Enugu road project, Wombo noted that N1.3 billion was paid to compensate various interests around Wurukum, facilitating construction activities in the vicinity. This compensation covered a range of affected entities, including military and immigration facilities, shops near the rice market, banks, and several filling stations located within the road's right-of-way.

Moreover, the state government allocated N800 million for compensation related to properties affected by road construction activities in Buruku. Wombo explained that some structures impacted by the River Buruku bridge project belonged to individuals who had adhered to the government's compensation process prior to the demolition of their properties for construction purposes.

These compensation payments form part of the Alia administration's broader efforts through the Ministry of Works to support the execution of federal road projects within the state. Wombo clarified that the Wurukum flyover is distinct from the Wurukum-Air Force Base-Tyomu road project. He highlighted that Governor Alia had actively lobbied the Federal Government for the approval of the flyover, which was subsequently included as part of the Federal Government's contributions to Benue during its flag-off by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.

The Ministry of Works has expressed its commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities regarding these projects, emphasizing that these interventions are crucial for removing obstacles and ensuring the efficient execution of federal road initiatives across Benue State.