The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has approved the construction of a 16-kilometre road to end a 46-year-old land dispute between the Nigerian Air Force Tactical Air Command Makurdi, and its host communities.
The move comes after a meeting he held with a delegation from the Air Force, as well as representatives of Ugondo and Mbaivur communities to discuss ways to resolve the lingering land dispute.
At the meeting on Wednesday in Makurdi, the state capital, Governor Alia said the road would link the borders of Makurdi and Gwer-West, up to the Gwer-West boundary with the Gboko Local Government Area, to make the communities more accessible.
According to him, resolving the dispute will attract more Federal Government presence, thereby bringing more development to the state.
The Governor thanked the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, for his efforts to ensure that the decades-long dispute was resolved, and reiterated his administration’s readiness to ensure that more developmental projects are brought into the state.
He added that the road would serve as a permanent boundary between the natives and the Air Force.
Earlier in his address, the leader of the delegation and the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force, Makurdi, AVM F. O. Edahosa, noted that efforts made in the past to resolve the land dispute had failed.
According to him; the Chief of Air Staff has also shown interest in the resolution of the case, considering how strategic Benue State is.
He appreciated the Governor for his tireless efforts and desire to ensure peace in the state, pointing to some of the meetings the governor had held with the heads of different security agencies since he assumed office.
Responding, the Mue Ter Ugondo, Chief Clement Kurugh, and Amir Ishor, the representative of the Ter Makurdi, all appreciated the governor and the Chief of Air Staff for wading into the land dispute, saying they trust the governor’s efforts to resolve the issue and bring a lasting solution.
