Survey work on the land earmarked for the construction of the airport by the Benue State Government (BNSG) has been completed, Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Rev. Freddrick Ikyaan has disclosed in a meeting with traditional rulers from the affected local government areas of Guma, Gboko, Gwer, and Tarka on Friday, September 26.
The airport, according to the commissioner, will serve international flight, domestic flight, and cargo services. The project also covers an Export/Import (EXIM) Processing Zone, located on Makurdi-Gboko Road.
In a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi, the state capital, Mr. Akaha Sule, Media Assistant to the Commissioner, quotes his principal as saying that the governor wants the project to commence immediately but deemed it fit to inform the traditional rulers before taking any further action.
It is understood that the Airport is to be cited on the left hand side of the Makurdi-Gboko Road from Makurdi, not far from the Agasha junction while the Processing Zone will be on the right hand side of the same area and requires land up to 100 hectre.
Ter Gwer, His Royal Highness (HRH) Dominic Akpe and Ter Gboko, HRH Gabriel Shosom, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers described the planned airport and Processing zone as a welcome development that will help solve some of their problems including attacks from Fulani invaders.
The traditional rulers particularly sent words of appreciation to the governor of Benue State, Fr. Hyacinth Alia for the noble project and requested adequate compensation for indigenes of the affected communities.
They appreciated the Commissioner for the steps he has taken so far, saying they are happy with his disposition to carry them along by requesting them to provide representatives that will follow up developments there on their behalf.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Surv. Matthias Antor thanked the traditional rulers and charged them to enlighten their people as, according to him, any correspondence from the community not endorsed by the chiefs will not be honoured.
The Commissioner was supported in the meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ihu, Director General, Benue Geographic Information System (BENGIS), Professor Daniel Amine, Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Surv. Matthias Antor and Directors of the ministry, among others.
