Buruku: The ongoing Buruku Bridge project has instilled renewed optimism among residents following the tragic loss of nearly 200 lives in boat mishaps on the Katsina-Ala River over the past three years. Mr. Raymond Aondoakura, Chairman of Buruku Local Government, highlighted the significance of the project during an inspection tour by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the inspection team was led by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The tour covered various infrastructure projects across Benue, guided by Deputy Governor Samuel Ode and Federal Controller of Works in the state, Mr. Mukaila Danladi.
Aondoakura emphasized the bridge’s importance as a safer alternative to the perilous river crossings that residents relied on for decades. He expressed gratitude to the President for the project’s generosity and acknowledged Gov. Hyacinth Alia for compensating affected locals, facilitating the project’s smooth execution.
Deputy Governor Samuel Ode described the bridge as a strategic investment connecting Benue with Taraba and Nigeria’s North-East. He expressed confidence that the bridge would end the dangerous crossings and highlighted the Benue Government’s fulfillment of compensation and right-of-way obligations for the Federal Government’s intervention.
Ode noted that the bridge would enhance transportation between the North-Central and North-East regions, improving the movement of agricultural produce, particularly yams from the Sankera Federal Constituency. He commended Setraco Nigeria Ltd. for their progress and quality of construction.
Federal Controller of Works in Benue, Mr. Mukaila Danladi, reported that the dual bridge spans approximately 854 meters, with significant substructure work completed. He attributed temporary delays to heavy rainfall but assured that construction would progress once river conditions improved, with completion targeted for December 2027.
Mr. Jonathan Modi, Ukum Local Government Chairman, highlighted the bridge’s potential to improve access from Nigeria’s leading yam-producing area to major markets nationwide. Community artisan Mr. Godwin Tordue noted the project’s positive impact on local employment and economic activities.
Resident Mrs. Felicita Akanyah expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s project and the state government’s compensation efforts, acknowledging the project’s role in preventing future tragedies.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga emphasized the Buruku Bridge as one of several Federal Government projects in Benue, showcasing the benefits of infrastructure investments funded through borrowing. The bridge is part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity and foster economic development in previously isolated communities.
The Buruku Bridge, located on the Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala-Zaki Biam highway, aims to replace the hazardous river crossing and improve transportation links between Benue and Taraba. The Federal Executive Council approved the project in March 2024 with a contract value exceeding N83.7 billion, marking it as one of the largest bridge projects in Benue.