Communities demand N3bn compensation for abandoned road project

Indigenes of Mbayion District in Benue have demanded three billion naira compensation from the Federal Government and a construction company for alleged abandoned road project in their area.

This demand is contained in a petition presented to Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Bem Angwe, in Abuja on Thursday.

The 11 traditional rulers in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue had alleged that government in 2013-2014 awarded a road project to Messers Jam Services Construction, Company.

The spokesman of the delegation, the District Head of Mbatan community, Joseph Ikpa, said the job was abandoned by the company.

Ikpa said the company removed the top layers of the tarred road between Gaando and Orkaa Zugu Villages in the district.

`` This contractor deliberately destroyed the road and abandoned the site

``The actions of the contractor has created an untold hardship to road users and indigenes of the affected community.

`` The indigenes of the affected portion no longer enjoy fresh air because the red dust has contaminated the air even sources of drinking water.

``As we speak, two persons from the affected area have become blind as a result of this menace."

They urged the commission to compel the company to return to the site and payment of three billion naira as compensation to the community

The communities also appealed to the commission to investigate the matter.

In his response, Angwe assures the monarchs that the commission would investigate the matter.

Angwe directed the Director of Protection and investigation to invite the Managing Director Messers Jam Services construction company and the director of Fed. Highways to appear before NHRC on June 29,

He directed that the Minister of Works, Housing and Power should be contacted to address the issue.

He said the commission would visit the project for the spot assessment, and commended the traditional rulers for demanding their right.