From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue state Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has stated that he would soon commence construction of rural roads to ease transportation challenges facing the people especially farmers in facing difficulties in transporting their farm produce.
Governor Alia disclosed on Saturday during the funeral Mass of HRM, Abu King Shuluwa, at Saint Gerald’s Majella Cathedral, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, (LGA) of the state.
He said the ongoing construction of Makurdi township roads would be completed before Easter for the contractors to move to other Local Government Areas.
Governor Alia who said the Makurdi-Gboko, Yandev-Ugbema-Katsina Ala, Yandev-Buruku crossing point and Kastina Ala- Wukari highways have been captured in the 2024 budget, further promised that his administration would continue to press on the Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi to commence work on the road projects.
Earlier, in his sermon, Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Most Reverend Isaac Dugu, called on traditional leaders and other stakeholders from other Local Governments to join hands with those in Sankera axis to end banditry, kidnappings and other forms of criminality in the area.
Bishop Dugu urged the Tor Tiv, King Makers and the Governor to ensure that those who would be selected to fill the vacant stool of Ter Katsina-Ala and Tor Sankera are of proven integrity and fear of God.
Also in his funeral oration, the Senate Committee Chairman on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, representing Benue North East (APC), Sen. Emmanuel Udende, described Chief Shuluwa as a forthright king.
He said the late monarch never harboured negative feelings against people but was always ready to resolve any problem brought to him by the people.
Sen Udende said tackling the insecurity problem in Sankera axis was everyone’s responsibility and called for a roundtable discussion.
The late King Shuluwa was born in 1946 and died at the age of 79.