Pressing Issues in Benue State
On September 19, a journalist asked Governor Hyacinth Alia about two urgent issues in Benue State: the stalled boundary demarcation between Oju and Konshisha Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the prolonged closure of the Oju-Awajir road.
Impact of the Road Blockade
The road, the only direct route to the state capital from Oju LGA, has been blocked by the Bonta militia for over a year. This has turned a two-hour journey to Makurdi into a grueling six-hour ordeal. Fertilizer meant for farmers en route to Oju was allegedly seized by the Bonta militia on the Oju-Awajir road.
Governor Alia’s Confounding Response
Governor Alia’s response puzzled many. He started with, “You asked a very beautiful question, but you twisted the narrative.” He added, “The road is not closed. There were skirmishes… There were blockages at some point within a few days.” He also claimed the task force, police, and military responded promptly, stating, “I passed through the very road myself.”
Proposed Solutions: Road Contract and Military Base
Governor Alia claimed he awarded the road contract and is working to connect the communities. He also suggested creating a military base between Oju and Konshisha. He stated, “I am going to claim it, just for farming… So that no one from the communities will dare come closer to the place.”
Contradictions in Leadership Promises
These claims contradict Deputy Governor Sam Ode’s September 7 promise that road reconstruction would start within two weeks. Despite this, the people of Oju and nearby areas still see no signs of progress.
Tensions Escalate After Governor’s Visit
Governor Alia’s June visit to Oju, during his thank-you tour, was followed by multiple Bonta militia attacks on Ukpute. His statement that “there is relative peace between Oju and Konshisha communities” and his frequent visit claims have raised doubts.
A Disconnect Between Words and Reality
Governor Alia’s narrative appears disconnected from the ground reality. His statements don’t align with the experiences of local residents. This raises concerns about the accuracy of the information reaching his office.
Call for Genuine Peace and Action
Benue State deserves genuine peace and the reopening of the Oju-Awajir road. Governor Alia must reassess his sources of information and align his actions with the people’s reality to find lasting solutions. Relying solely on filtered security reports could make the situation worse, considering Bonta’s history of attacking Nigerian soldiers.
The Path Forward: Transparency and Community Engagement
Governor Alia should prioritize transparency, engage with local communities, and make tangible progress on the Oju-Awajir road. Only then can trust be rebuilt and the people of Benue look forward to a better future.
–Written by James Ibechi
