"Benue State Government Declares Infrastructure State of Emergency"

The Benue State Executive Council has taken significant actions to address the state's infrastructure challenges. In a recent meeting, the council declared a state of emergency on infrastructure and gave approval for the removal of all unauthorized structures, including those situated on waterways within the state.

The Commissioner for Works and Housing, Tiza Imojime, spoke with the press following the meeting. He expressed the council's concern about a tragic incident involving the collapse of a church building in the state capital, which resulted in the death of a pastor. To ensure the safety of lives and property, the council endorsed the demolition of structures that have failed structural integrity tests and those built in waterway areas.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, conveyed the council's decision, stating, "The EXCO concluded that every building in the state that fails structural and integrity tests and those on waterways should be removed."

Furthermore, the council directed the Ministries of Cooperatives, Rural and Urban Development, Works and Housing, as well as Lands, Survey, and Solid Minerals, to conduct an integrity assessment of the collapsed church building. This assessment aims to determine the cause of the collapse and provide the government with the necessary information to make informed decisions.

In addition to these actions, the executive council encouraged Benue's youth to register in the Ministry of Youths, Sports, and Creativity's database for effective planning. They also called upon the people of Benue to embrace agriculture as the government has created a conducive environment for agricultural activities.

Regarding the overall state of infrastructure in the state, the Commissioner stated that plans are underway to address these issues. He mentioned that he personally conducted assessments of road infrastructures within the state and federal roads. Efforts are in progress to engage relevant federal agencies to seek intervention and improvements.