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Benue State Deputy Governor, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, conducted an on-site inspection of ongoing road construction works in Otukpo, assuring residents impacted by the project that compensation payments have already been made.
Dr. Ode toured key sections of the township roads, starting from the Wurukum Roundabout to Orokom, where he engaged directly with community members and project officials. He emphasized that the state government had fully settled relocation costs for utilities, water pipelines, electricity lines, and houses affected by the road expansion.
The deputy governor commended the strong collaboration between the Benue State Government and the Federal Government on critical infrastructure projects. He specifically thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining momentum in road construction nationwide and praised the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for driving steady progress on the long-neglected Makurdi–Enugu dualization corridor.
A significant update shared during the inspection was the directive given to China Harbour Engineering Company—the contractor handling the Makurdi–Enugu dualization—to shift focus and accelerate operations specifically in Otukpo. Dr. Ode revealed that all remaining utility obstructions, including water pipelines and electricity lines, are expected to be relocated within the next two weeks to clear the path for uninterrupted construction.
The site manager, Mr. Dung, provided further details on the project timeline, stating that grading and sand filling have been completed across the township section. Paving work is set to commence shortly, with asphalt laying on the right side of the road scheduled for completion by March 2026. He added that the entire Otukpo township portion of the road is on track to be fully completed before June 2026.
In a parallel move to support urban renewal, Dr. Ode flagged off additional street construction and rehabilitation projects across Otukpo. These initiatives form part of the state government’s broader strategy to enhance urban development and improve living conditions in the Benue South Senatorial District.
The inspection and assurances from the deputy governor have been welcomed by many residents who have long awaited improved road infrastructure in the area. With compensation already disbursed and accelerated work promised, attention now turns to the timely delivery of these critical road projects, which are expected to ease transportation, boost commerce, and uplift economic activity in Otukpo and surrounding communities.
