Fatal Accident at Makurdi Underpass Sparks Outrage Over Road Safety and Project Delays

A tragic accident at the ongoing Makurdi Underpass project site has claimed one life, prompting renewed criticism of safety lapses, poor planning, and prolonged delays in the infrastructure work.

According to eyewitness accounts and social media reports circulating on March 20, 2026, the incident involved an ambulance and occurred “just now” at the underpass area. The victim reportedly died instantly, raising fresh alarm over the hazardous conditions created by frequent, unannounced road closures and openings around the construction zone.

Social media users, including prominent voices in Makurdi, described the scene as chaotic and preventable, blaming what they called “confusion and negligence” for putting lives at constant risk. One widely shared post questioned whether the loss was avoidable, pointing to the repeated and unpredictable disruption of traffic flow as a major contributing factor.

Critics have drawn sharp comparisons with a similar underpass project in Nasarawa State, which reportedly began months after Benue’s but has already been completed. Meanwhile, residents of Makurdi continue to face daily uncertainty, danger, and inconvenience as the Benue project drags on.

Several online commentators directly attributed the safety shortcomings and slow pace to poor planning and alleged negligence under the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia. Calls are growing for urgent intervention, including improved traffic management, clear signage, proper diversion routes, and accelerated completion of the underpass to restore normal movement in the state capital.

No official statement has been issued by the Benue State Government, the Ministry of Works, or the project contractor regarding the accident, casualty confirmation, or immediate safety measures at the time of this report. Authorities are yet to comment on the comparisons with the Nasarawa project or provide an updated timeline for completion.

The incident has reignited public debate about infrastructure safety standards, contractor accountability, and the human cost of prolonged roadworks in urban centres.