The Benue State House of Assembly has initiated investigations into the controversial dualization of the Wurukum – Air Force Base Road, summoning the Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Urban Development, Hon. Isaac Imojime, and other relevant parties. The summons requires them to justify the project’s staggering cost of N68.329 billion.
Additionally, the Assembly has directed the Commissioner for Finance to withhold any further funding to the contractor until the investigation is concluded. This action follows a motion of urgent public importance raised by Anthony Agom, representing the Okpokwu State Constituency, who highlighted the widespread public criticism surrounding the project’s exorbitant budget. Alfred Emberga, representing Makurdi North, seconded the motion, emphasizing the need for transparency and requesting those involved to provide detailed explanations for the project’s high cost.
In a separate but related development, the Assembly has also summoned the Special Adviser to the Governor on Bureau for Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Director General of Homeland Security, and the Chairmen of several local governments, including Otukpo, Ado, Agatu, Apa, Kwande, Ukum, Logo, Ohimini, Gwer West, and Katsina-Ala.
They are required to appear before the Assembly on Friday, April 4th, 2025, to address the escalating security crisis involving killings and kidnappings in Otukpo and other local government areas. This summons stems from a motion by Micheal Audu, who reported daily incidents of killings and kidnappings perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen in Opa-Adoka and Asa, as well as other areas within Otukpo Local Government. Audu suggested that local government chairmen and security agencies may be overwhelmed or failing in their duties, prompting the Assembly to seek direct explanations from the relevant authorities.Benue Assembly,
