Community threatens contractor with snakes’ invasion if not compensated

The much talked about cargo airport in Makurdi, the Benue State capital may have more hurdles to cross as the host community, Nyiev, has threatened to send snakes on government workers, as well as contractors planning to shortchange them by evading compensation to the community.

KM 28, Makurdi-Lafia Road has been earmarked for the construction of the cargo airport, in which Governor Samuel Ortom had last year performed the ground-breaking ceremony amidst criticisms from members of the opposition, who described it as a white elephant project.

Making the revelation to journalists yesterday in his office, Commissioner for Works, Transport and Energy, Mr. Emmanuel Manger, said the issue of compensation is still been sorted out between government and the community, as valuation are been compiled by both parties.

He, however, explained that the community’s threat to send snakes on anyone who attempts to shortchange them was to avoid a repeat of what happened to them when the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, was to be established some years ago.

“The people said they are not taking anything to chance. They have vowed to send snakes to anyone who tries to shortchange them again,” Manger stated.

In another development, the commissioner disclosed that the state executive council has approved the privatization of Benue Links limited to enhance its efficiency.

“There is going to be a bid and those interested will come forward. It is going to be 51-49 ratio,” he concluded.

(The Guardian)