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Frustration is mounting among residents of Gboko town over the prolonged abandonment of several major roads flagged off for reconstruction three years ago by the Benue State Government under Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The affected roads include Captain Downes Road, Tomahar Street, Former Clinic Road, Tomatar Road, and Genger Road. According to investigations, no meaningful construction work has taken place on any of these routes since the official flag-off ceremony, leaving them in a severely deteriorated condition.
Deep potholes, eroded sections, and collapsed portions have turned the once-busy thoroughfares into daily accident zones. Motorists report frequent vehicle breakdowns, while residents say accidents have become alarmingly common, especially during the rainy season when the roads become even more treacherous.
A resident who spoke with Benue Info-pedia on Monday described the situation as unbearable. “These roads are completely dead. Vehicles break down almost every day, and accidents have become common. We are suffering,” the resident said.
Even J.S. Tarka Way, widely regarded as the busiest and most important road in Gboko, is said to be in deplorable shape with massive potholes disrupting traffic flow and crippling commercial activities. Similar poor conditions were observed on Mkar Road and several other key routes within the town.
Residents expressed deep disappointment, pointing out that despite what they described as substantial monthly allocations to the state government, there has been little visible improvement in infrastructure development in Gboko. Many accused authorities of failing to prioritize the welfare of the people in one of Benue’s most populous and commercially vibrant local government areas.
The continued neglect has sparked warnings of potential political repercussions. Several residents cautioned that if urgent action is not taken, the people would voice their displeasure at the polls in 2027. “The government should know that the ballot will speak if nothing changes,” one motorist remarked.
The aggrieved residents have called on Governor Hyacinth Alia and relevant state agencies to move beyond promises and immediately commence rehabilitation work on the abandoned roads. They stressed that swift intervention is needed to alleviate the hardship faced by motorists, commuters, traders, and ordinary citizens who depend on these routes for their daily livelihoods.
As the complaints grow louder, attention now turns to whether the state government will respond with concrete action to restore the badly needed infrastructure in Gboko before the situation worsens further.
