Former Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Dr. Engineer Felix Atume, has commended Benue state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for initiating the reconstruction of the 40-kilometre Makurdi–Naka federal road, describing the move as a major step toward improving security and easing transportation in the state.
Atume, a former Benue State Commissioner for Works, made the commendation while speaking with journalists in Jalingo. He said the reconstruction of the long-neglected road would help curb the persistent cases of bandit attacks, kidnappings, and killings that have plagued commuters and residents along the route.
The development follows an earlier inspection of the road by the Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Hon. Victor Ormin, who, acting on the directive of Governor Alia, led a team of engineers and surveyors from China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), headed by Engr. Ronaldo Lee, on a comprehensive assessment of the road ahead of the planned reconstruction.
Reacting to the development, Atume described Governor Alia’s intervention as a humanitarian gesture aimed at ending the long-standing hardship faced by the Tyoshin community due to the deplorable condition of the road.
According to him, the Makurdi–Naka road, which serves as a major federal highway linking Benue State to parts of eastern Nigeria, has remained in a state of disrepair for more than two decades without significant government intervention.
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“The 40-kilometre Makurdi–Naka road is a federal road that connects Benue with the eastern parts of Nigeria. It has been in a deplorable condition for over 20 years without serious attention,” he said.
He added that the poor condition of the road had turned it into a hotspot for criminal activities, exposing commuters and residents to frequent attacks, kidnappings, and killings.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia’s move to reconstruct the road is commendable. I am happy, and the Tyoshin community is happy with the governor over this development,” Atume stated.
The former COREN Registrar also expressed confidence in the capacity of China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) to deliver a quality project. He urged residents of Gwer West Local Government Area to cooperate with the state government and the contractor to ensure the successful and timely completion of the reconstruction work.
