Residents of Kanshio community in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, have raised serious concerns over what they describe as a threat to their livelihood and security following the total shutdown of the Makurdi–Aliede road around Kanshio main market, opposite Peugeot Company Ltd. The closure was carried out by a Chinese construction company after heavy rainfall a few days ago.
The community, one of the most populated areas in Makurdi, says the company handling the road project blocked the entire stretch without providing any alternative route for motorists, motorcyclists or pedestrians. During a visit to the area, several residents lamented that the total closure has made daily life unbearable. Strangers now troop into private houses simply to find a way out, invading the privacy of homes in the process.
According to the residents, schoolchildren can no longer get to school with ease, sick people cannot be rushed to hospital in time, traders are unable to move their goods, and workers struggle to reach their places of work. The situation has brought ordinary movement and economic activity in the neighbourhood to a near standstill.
The community is therefore calling on the Benue State Government, the Ministry of Works and Housing, and the Federal Government to intervene urgently. They want the authorities to direct the construction company to create a diversion or an alternative access road before continuing with the work. Residents emphasise that while they welcome the road construction and the development it will bring to their area, it must not be done at the expense of their lives, safety and businesses.
