A distressing video circulating online has exposed the harsh living conditions endured by residents of High-Level Makurdi, once regarded as one of the most developed parts of the state capital, now plagued by collapsed infrastructure, unsafe drinking water, and daily traffic dangers.
The footage, recorded near the former Zenith Bank on Inikpi Street, shows a mother openly lamenting that many families in the area are forced to fetch and drink water directly from drainage channels despite living close to the River Benue due to the complete breakdown of public water supply systems. She highlighted the constant risks her school-age children face from overflowing drains filled with rubble, chaotic traffic with doubled flow per lane, lack of road discipline, harassment by motorists, and the absence of public safety monitoring.
High-Level Makurdi, previously known for functional roads, reliable water systems, and orderly urban life, has deteriorated sharply in recent years. Residents report that drains overflow daily with refuse, forcing reliance on visibly contaminated water sources for cooking, drinking, and household use. The mother in the video questioned government priorities, asking, “Was this the promise? Is this the life we should live? Are we too drunk with power to see our faults?”
The viral clip has ignited widespread outrage on social media, with citizens demanding urgent intervention from the Benue State Government, the State House of Assembly, and relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Water Resources and the Benue State Water Board. Many have called for immediate restoration of potable water supply, road repairs, traffic management, drain clearance, and stronger oversight to prevent further public health and safety risks.
No official statement has been issued by the state government or the affected MDAs regarding the situation or planned remedial actions at the time of this report. The development has once again spotlighted growing concerns over infrastructure decay and declining quality of life in key urban neighbourhoods of Makurdi.
