Citizen Television, Office No. 22 Uptown Plaza Beside Makurdi International Market, George Akume Way, Makurdi (2026)

02/10/2026

TARAKU MILLS BEGINS FIRST PHASE OF TEST PRODUCTION

The Taraku Mills Limited in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State has commenced the first phase of its test production, marking a significant step towards the revival of the once-dormant industrial facility.

The Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, who spoke during the exercise, described the test-run as a significant process towards bringing the factory back to life.

Asemakaha expressed appreciation to the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his commitment to reviving moribund industries in the state.

According to him, the administration is determined to take charge of dormant industries and restore them to productive use. “We must take charge of moribund industries. We are ensuring that the dead balance sheet has come back to life,” he said.

The BIPC GMD explained that the ongoing test-run was aimed at ensuring that Taraku Mills resumes production and begins supplying locally produced vegetable oil to the people of Benue.

“Today's exercise is done to ensure that our oil comes back before the end of this year, and I am assuring that the people of Benue will soon have the oil,” Asemakaha said.

He added that the revival of the factory would also create a ready market for agricultural produce and improve the economic value of crops produced by farmers in the state.

“Very soon our farmers will have value for their crops, as can be seen in the orange market,” he said, noting that farmers were already recording improved returns from their produce.

Asemakaha further assured that the state government would continue efforts to revive other dormant factories across Benue to promote job creation and industrial development.

Plant Manager of Taraku Mills, Engineer James Terngu Ikyuve, disclosed that the factory had received 300 metric tonnes of soybeans for the test-run.

He explained that the soybeans had commenced the purification process, which would be followed by crushing, oil extraction and refining.

According to Ikyuve, the factory is currently testing production at a rate of 50 metric tonnes per day to gradually return the machinery to its full production capacity of 300 metric tonnes per day.

He assured that the factory would begin providing locally produced vegetable oil for use by the people of Benue before the end of October.

The Lead Consultant to Taraku Mills, Saleh Mansur, commended Governor Alia for his administration's commitment to reviving the factory.

Mansur expressed optimism that the process would soon restore the production of the “golden oil” for which Taraku Mills was known.

Also speaking, Iortuhwa Moses, a youth leader and worker at the factory, expressed the appreciation of the host community to Governor Alia for the revival of Taraku Mills.

He said the return of the factory to production would provide employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities within the community and beyond.

01/10/2026

Zaki-Biam massacre: Court Restrains CBN From Paying N4bn Promissory Notes
..CBN counsel says bank will obey court order, has no objection

By Amos Aar

The Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, has granted an interim order restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from paying a tranche of promissory notes valued at N4 billion linked to the settlement of compensation arising from the 2001 Zaki-Biam massacre.

The order, granted by Justice Joshua Raphael Egbe on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, is to preserve the subject matter of the suit pending the hearing of a motion on notice filed by the plaintiffs.

The court's decision followed an ex parte application by the plaintiffs, who argued that the N4 billion tranche was due for payment on October 9 and that the subject matter of the suit could be "dissipated" if the payment was made before the court determined the issues raised in the substantive application.

Counsel for the plaintiffs, Barrister Chris Alashi, told journalists after the proceedings that the case arose from the military operation in Zaki-Biam and surrounding communities in 2001, for which victims subsequently instituted legal proceedings against the Federal Government.

According to Alashi, the plaintiffs initially obtained a judgment of N41.8 billion, following which the Federal Government appealed the decision.

He said the Federal Government later opted for an out-of-court settlement, resulting in a consent judgment of N8 billion entered by the Court of Appeal.

Alashi said the present dispute arose from the issuance of promissory notes in respect of the N8 billion settlement, alleging that persons who were not among the judgment creditors obtained the notes.

He said the first tranche, valued at N4 billion, was due for maturity on October 9, 2026, prompting the plaintiffs to approach the court for an urgent preservative order.

According to him, the plaintiffs were concerned that payment of the notes before the determination of the issues before the court could frustrate the proceedings.

Justice Egbe, after considering the application, granted the reliefs sought in the ex parte application, directing that the subject matter be preserved pending the hearing of the motion on notice within 14 days.

Counsel to the seventh defendant, Barrister P.N. Joji, who held the brief of Barrister Darlington Onyekwere, asked the court for time to enable the defendant file its response to the processes served on it.

There was no objection from counsel representing the defendants to the court's decision.

Counsel to the CBN, Professor Chukwuemeka Anyogu, told journalists the apex bank had no dispute with complying with whatever order the court made in the matter.

Anyogu explained that the CBN's role was essentially to comply with the law and the directives of the relevant authorities concerning the payment of promissory notes.

He said where the court ordered that payment be withheld, the CBN would abide by the order.

"Central Bank has nothing to do with it. I'm counsel for Central Bank, and I don't think Central Bank would object to anything because Central Bank is an institution that would go by the law. All Central Bank will do is obey the law," he said.

Anyogu added that the bank was not in a hurry to make the payment where a court order had placed an embargo on it.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to October 14, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.

The Zaki-Biam litigation originates from the military operation in Benue State in October 2001, following the alleged killing of 19 soldiers. Victims and survivors later pursued compensation through the courts. A Federal High Court judgment in 2007 awarded N41.8 billion, which was subsequently reduced to N8 billion following negotiations with the Federal Government and a consent judgment.

28/09/2026

Benue Govt Pays N7.1 Billion Compensation For Federal Road Projects, Others

By Amos Aar

The Benue State Government has paid at least N71 billion in compensation for properties and interests affected by the construction of federal road projects in the state, the Director of Civil Engineering in the Ministry of Works, Engr. Tivfa Wombo, has disclosed.

Wombo made the disclosure during an inspection tour of road projects in Makurdi led by the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Aii Yenge.

During the inspection, Wombo briefed the newly appointed commissioner and journalists on projects being handled by the ministry, including government interventions that were not immediately visible from the scale of physical construction.

According to Wombo, the state government had paid N5 billion in compensation for the right-of-way of the dualisation of the Makurdi-Enugu road, which he described as an ongoing federal project extending from Wurukum towards the Benue-Nugu boundary.

He said the payment was made following approval by Governor Hyacinth Alia to enable the Federal Government and its contractors to access the required corridor and continue work on the project.

Wombo informed the compensation formed part of the state's contribution towards federal road projects being executed in Benue.

He further disclosed that the state government paid N1.3 billion in compensation around Wurukum to facilitate construction of activities, including the relocation of affected facilities and businesses.

He listed the affected interests to include military and immigration facilities, shops around the rice market, banks, Shafa filling station and other filling stations located within the project's right-of-way.

The director also disclosed that N800 million was paid as compensation for properties affected by road construction works in Buruku.

Wombo explained that some of the properties affected by the River Buruku bridge project belonged to individuals who followed the government's compensation procedure before their structures were removed to make way for the construction.

He said the compensation payments were part of interventions made by the Alia administration through the Ministry of Works as the state's contribution to federal road projects in the state.

Wombo also clarified that the flyover at Wurukum was separate from the Wurukum-Air Force Base-Tyomu road project.

He said Governor Alia had lobbied for the flyover, which was subsequently provided by the Federal Government, adding that the project was presented as a contribution to the state during its flag-off by the minister of Works, Dave Umahi.

Wombo said the ministry had completed its obligations on the projects discussed, stressing that the interventions were intended to ensure that federal road projects in Benue continued without unnecessary delays.

25/09/2026

OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO: "TARAKU MILLS AND THE POLITICS OF RESURRECTION"

BIPC has read with deep respect the intervention of Senator Amb. Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, OON, on Taraku Mills. We share his reverence for the vision of Governor Aper Aku and we completely agree with his central thesis: -The burden of proof is production.

That is the exact standard this administration has set for itself. Skepticism is justified because of history, but history must not blind us to verifiable progress.

1. WHAT WE MET

When this administration took over Taraku Mills in 2023, the factory had been moribund for over 30 years. An independent technical audit revealed:

- Less than 5% of machinery was functional
- No power connection and no industrial water; roofs had collapsed and equipment was grounded
- Zero supply chain linkage to Benue farmers

Previous attempts failed because they treated Taraku as a political ceremony, not as an industrial business.

2. WHAT WE HAVE DONE

We adopted a phased, business-first approach. Phase 1 rehabilitation is now 83% to be completed soon

The total installed capacity is 200MT per day, with two soybean crushing lines of 50MT per day each already restored. We will start small and upscale gradually. Mechanical rehabilitation will be completed soon.

The factory is currently under test-running and will proceed to commercial dry-runs and SON/NAFDAC certification before full market rollout in October/November 2026. We chose to be thorough rather than ceremonial.

3. ON POWER - OUR STRONGEST ANSWER

Senator Hagher is right that power has historically been Taraku's fatal weakness. We do not treat this lightly.

To solve it, BIPC has introduced Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) on site. LPFO reduces production cost by 40% compared to diesel and other alternatives that crippled similar plants.

In addition, there is a 5,000 KVA transformer on the industrial line in Taraku which guarantees up to 16 hours of power when connected. This administration is also finalizing a dedicated 2-megawatt supply for Taraku Mills, which will further cut energy costs by another 22%.

4. ON WATER AND TECHNICAL SUSTAINABILITY

We are finalizing a dependable industrial water connection, building on improvements at Otobi Water Works by His Excellency the Governor.

It is important to note that only the solvent extraction plant consumes large volumes of water. We will not start with the solvent plant. The current water in our tanks, supported by boreholes, can crush over 200 trucks of soybeans.

On technical sustainability, we have brought in foreign expatriates and technicians for critical rehabilitation works. Rather than lease the facility again to an operator without proven capacity, Taraku will be run initially by competent professionals before transitioning to a Public-Private Partnership. Professional management first, partnership after performance is proven, is more honest than handing over keys on a promise.

For long-term sustainability, we will sign a Technical Management Agreement with COFCO Engineering, a company that manufactures similar equipment. COFCO has already deployed 5 teams of engineers to Taraku.

*5. ON SOYBEANS AND JOBS*

We already have over 100 trucks of soybeans ready. The first 3 trucks (90MT) are only for test-running and calibration. Our commercial requirement is 50 to 100MT per day.

We have employed 47 highly professional staff (18 engineers/technicians and 29 operators). Our target at full capacity across all 10 product lines is 1,500 direct jobs.

6. BENEFITS TO BENUE PEOPLE

This is where our revival differs:

For Farmers: We have registered 2,847 soybean farmers in 12 LGAs - Taraku, Gboko, Makurdi, Otukpo and others - through our aggregation model. We are offering N620,000 per tonne, which is 18% above middlemen price. We will established 3 aggregation centres in Taraku, Gboko and Otukpo with 3,000MT combined storage. To sustain 100MT per day, Benue needs about 18,000 hectares annually. We are providing improved seeds for next season.

For the Economy: At full capacity, Taraku will create 1,500 direct jobs and over 5,000 indirect jobs for farmers, transporters and distributors. Projected annual turnover is N8.2 billion, with over $2.5 million saved annually on edible oil imports.

For every project, BIPC thinks first of the value to citizens. That is why we structured our model around farmers before profit.

7. OUR COMMITMENT

Three truckloads cannot sustain an industry. They were never meant to. Commercial aggregation of 1,500MT for Q4 2026 is already contracted.

We invite Senator Hagher and the public to our Open Factory Day from October 1st to 30th, 2026, to see the machines run, meet the farmers and young Benue engineers, meet the 5 teams of foreign engineers, and buy our first product - Golden Oil - the first of 10 products to be rolled out.

ON LEASES

A BIPC 2024 Root Cause Analysis (RCA) on all moribund assets revealed that "Non-Debt" commitments on previous leases became tomorrow's public debt.

What was presented as non-debt leases for Taraku, Benue Hotels and other assets later became a direct financial burden on the State. Payments being made today on these assets are debts inherited from failed leases. This is why this administration refused the easy path of leasing Taraku again on paper. We chose to rehabilitate first and prove viability.

Taraku Mills will not survive on press statements. It will survive on production, profit and people. We are ready to be judged by that standard.

Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA
Group Managing Director, BIPC
September 25, 2026

25/09/2026

Benue Assembly Passes Free Snakebite Treatment Bill Into Law

The Benue State House of Assembly has passed into law a bill seeking to provide free treatment for snakebite victims in government hospitals across the state.

The bill was passed after scaling through its third reading during plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, MNIQS, RQS.

The passage followed a public hearing on the bill held on Monday, March 23, 2026, where stakeholders in the health sector highlighted the importance of the proposed legislation to the people of the state.

Speaking on the bill, Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Health and Human Services, Hon. Dr. Mathew Damkor, representing Tiev State Constituency, said snakebite remained a serious but often neglected public health challenge, particularly among farmers and rural dwellers.

Damkor said the law would help eliminate financial barriers that prevent victims from accessing timely treatment while also establishing a structured response system for snakebite cases.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emberga, described the legislation as timely and important, particularly for rural communities where farmers are frequently exposed to snakebite incidents.

He said the law would address some of the serious challenges associated with snakebite cases in rural areas of the state.

25/09/2026

Demolition: 80-year-old Widow Cries Out For Help As Benue Urban Board Says She Occupied Wrong PLot

By Amos Aar

An 80-year-old widow, Mama Mary Nyam, has appealed to the Benue State Government and members of the public for assistance after her residence in Makurdi was demolished by the state Urban Development Board.

But the General Manager of the Benue State Urban Development Board, Mr Ternongu Mede, has clarified that the demolition followed an investigation which, according to him, established that the widow's family was occupying a plot different from the one covered by their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

Mama Nyam, who lives behind the MRS Filling Station, formerly Westside Filling Station, Old Otukpo Road, Makurdi, broke down in tears while narrating her ordeal to journalists on Tuesday.

The house, located at Abaver Atsu community on the tarred road linking Balcony with Old Otukpo Road, was demolished about three weeks ago.

Mama Nyam said the house had stood on the land for more than 50 years and that she had hoped to spend the rest of her life there and eventually be buried in the compound.

She alleged that the demolition followed a claim of ownership by a prominent Benue indigene, Mr Adaa Maagbe, who she said approached her and claimed to have government documents for the land. According to her, she had also acquired the land through due process.

"I am 80 years old. This is the house I have lived in for more than 50 years. I never imagined that one day I would wake up and see everything I have built pulled down," Mama Nyam said, fighting back tears.

She said the demolition had left her exposed to the weather and without a stable place to live.

"Since they demolished my house, I have been sleeping in the cold and under mosquitoes. When the sun comes out in the afternoon, there is nowhere for me to hide," she said.

Mama Nyam, a native of Gwer West Local Government Area and widow of the late Fidelis Nyam, a retired soldier, said more than 20 people had been living in the house before it was demolished.

She said the demolition had also disrupted the lives of her children and grandchildren, with some of them forced to seek accommodation in other people's homes.

"My children and grandchildren have scattered because there is no house again. Some are staying with people, while those who have nowhere to go are still suffering here," she said.

She appealed to the state government and well-meaning members of the public to come to her aid, particularly with accommodation.

However, explaining the government's position when contacted at his office on Wednesday, Mede said the dispute over the property had existed before he assumed office and that his office conducted investigations involving the Ministry of Lands and Survey.

Mede presented documents relating to the case, including C of Os belonging to both Maagbe and the Nyam family.

He said Maagbe had written to the Urban Development Board on July 18, 2023, complaining of illegal development on Plot No. BN 10627.

"After my people investigated the matter, we went to Lands and Survey to see that the beacons were re-established because we were given the title document," Mede said.

He stated that the Urban Development Board subsequently wrote to the Ministry of Lands and Survey on December 19, 2023, requesting verification of the property, adding that the ministry carried out the exercise in April 2024.

According to Mede, the ministry's response confirmed the plot size and beacon numbers contained in Maagbe's C of O.

He said the Board thereafter asked the Nyam family to present its own title documents for verification. According to him, the document presented on behalf of the Nyam family was a C of O in the name of Fidelis Nyam, bearing number BN8581.

Mede further said verification showed that the Nyam family's document was linked to TPS 006A, while the disputed site occupied by Mama Nyam fell under TPS 007A.

"They are two different areas. We asked him to go back to Lands and Survey and verify whether the C of O he is holding falls on that particular land", Mede related to this reporter what he told Mama's son.

He disclosed that the Board subsequently obtained further confirmation from the Ministry of Lands and Survey before proceeding with the demolition. According to him, Board had served an abatement demolition notice before the structure was removed.

"We did a due process regarding that and before we went out on this demolition again, Lands and Survey wrote another confirmation on that land," he said.

"Everything was done in order. We even sent to Lands and Survey to verify the two plots, which was that of Maagbe. They certified this of Maagbe, true certified copy, and this other man's name was certified too. But they are separate places", he stressed.

On Mama Nyam's appeal for compensation, Mede said the Urban Development Board did not have a basis to compensate her because the structure was considered an illegal development.

"I don't know what settlement she really wants because if you have developed illegally, you don't have compensation. Government cannot compensate you on that," he said.

Mede, however, disclosed that Maagbe had reportedly indicated a willingness to assist Mama Nyam to leave the property.

"Dr Maagbe sent someone here because he said he wanted to develop that place. So the person came and got an approval to develop a fence.

"In the process, the person was talking to me that the woman is still there and Maagbe felt we should take her out of the place. And he had promised he was going to give her one million to pack out of the place."

Mede said he was informed of the proposed payment by Maagbe's architect, who visited the Board shortly before his interview with journalists.

He stressed, however, that the Board's responsibility was to enforce planning regulations and protect the rights of recognised property owners.

"Our role is to ensure that every person enjoys his or her property that was allocated to the person. And if you are trying to develop, you must come to us for your permit," he said.

"What they did was an illegal structure, illegal development, and it is our duty to remove such illegal developments to give the main owner his right to do what he wants."

The matter remains open to further clarification, particularly from the Ministry of Lands and Survey on the location and ownership attached to the respective C of Os, and from Maagbe on the reported offer of assistance to Mama Nyam.

For now, the 80-year-old widow remains without the home she says she had occupied for decades and is appealing for immediate support with accommodation and other basic needs.

-Culled from SkyNewslink👇

https://skynewslink.com/demolition-80-year-old-widow-cries-out-for-help-as-benue-urban-board-says-she-occupied-wrong-plot/

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17ebx5GeQV/

24/09/2026

Missing Benue Medical Doctor Was Arrested, Says Police

The Benue State Police Command has clarified that a medical doctor and owner of a hospital in Makurdi, who was earlier reported to have been abducted, was actually arrested by security operatives.

The Command, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the doctor was arrested at his hospital on Wednesday by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS), attached to the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.

According to the police, the arrest was made in connection with an ongoing investigation.

The Command said it received enquiries following reports of the alleged abduction of the doctor but, upon verification, established that the report was false.

“The doctor was not abducted. He was arrested yesterday at his hospital by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) attached to the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, in connection with an ongoing investigation,” the Command stated.

The police, however, said the specific circumstances surrounding the investigation were not yet known to the Benue State Police Command.

It consequently advised members of the media and the general public to disregard reports alleging that the doctor was abducted or kidnapped, describing such reports as false.

The clarification follows earlier reports that the medical doctor, identified as the owner of a hospital in Makurdi, was allegedly taken away from the hospital by men who arrived in a vehicle on Wednesday night.

17/09/2026

Don’t sell homes or spend school fees on Dangote shares, Emir Sanusi tells investors
Sanusi

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has advised prospective investors against risking essential funds, such as their children’s school fees or primary residences, to purchase shares.

Speaking on Thursday at the Dangote Refinery IPO investor roadshow in Kano, the traditional ruler urged residents to invest only disposable income they can afford to lock away for the long term.

He recommended modest, manageable sums such as ₦10,000, ₦20,000, or ₦30,000 rather than seeking quick profits through short-term speculation.

His words, “Do not take your children’s school fees and put in shares. Do not sell the house that you live in and put in shares.

“But what you can afford, 10,000, 20,000, 30,000 – what you can afford to set aside for some time, set it aside. And if you look at the fundamentals of the economy, over time you can be assured that this investment will grow, and you will not regret it.

“I speak as the Emir of Kano; I would like my people to be owners of this company.

“I do not want us to be left behind in the capital markets. I do not want us to be left behind in financial inclusion. So this is the time and this is the opportunity,” he said.

He also advised prospective investors to choose a long-term approach rather than buying shares in anticipation of quick profits.

“And I’m not talking about someone who will buy 5,000 shares and want to sell tomorrow and believe he will get 10,000. No, I’m talking about you have some money, put it in, leave it there for some time, and just watch your money grow.

“Forget about it for some time. You’ll be surprised in five years the 10,000 Naira you invest today, what it will be. The 100,000 Naira you invest, what it will be,” Sanusi said.

He noted that the physical location of the refinery in Lagos is irrelevant, as ownership and profits belong strictly to the shareholders regardless of where the infrastructure sits.

“It doesn’t matter where the refinery is located. It could be located in Lagos, or Ibadan, or on the moon. It is the shareholders who own it.

“It is the shareholders who own it. It’s the shareholders who take the return. It is the shareholders who own the profit,” he added.

Emir Sanusi also praised Kano-born businessman Aliko Dangote and encouraged residents to secure a stake in the venture before the public offering closes.

16/09/2026

TARAKU MILLS OVER 80 PERCENT READY IN PHASE 1, PRODUCTION SET TO BEGIN

The Taraku Mills Limited, undergoing maintenance and rehabilitation by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), is over 80 percent ready in the first phase for the commencement of production.

The disclosure was made on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the facility by the Group Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA.

After receiving briefings from the technical team, Dr. Asemakaha expressed confidence that the mill will soon become operational. He assured Benue people that locally produced Golden oil from the plant will be available during the yuletide season.

To fast-track the process, the GMD ordered the immediate supply of three truckloads of soybeans to enable the technical team to begin purification and blasting ahead of full production.

He lauded Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for his support in reviving the facility, stressing that the administration is committed to restoring moribund industries and creating jobs.

Dr. Asemakaha also revealed that BIPC has secured competent partners to manage the production and commercial operations of the mill.

He noted that the revival of Taraku Mills will strengthen Benue’s agricultural value chain by providing a ready market for farmers, boosting local processing, and creating employment.

Speaking during the tour, Plant Manager, Engr. James Terngu Ikyuve, confirmed that maintenance has exceeded 80% in the first phase and the plant is ready for blasting once raw materials are supplied.

Lead Consultant, Saleh Mansury, added that the first plant is technically ready. “Technically, we're ready. All parts are ready. We are only waiting for materials. In the next few weeks, we will commence production and give Benue people the golden oil,” he said.

14/09/2026

HOPE RISES AT MODERN MARKET AS TRADE COMMISSIONER INSPECTS DILAPIDATED FACILITIES

The Honourable Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Benue State, Hon. Ankwa Amo II, today inspected Modern Market, Makurdi, to assess its level of development and identify challenges requiring urgent government attention.

The visit commenced with a prayer led by Mrs. Charista Michael, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, while the Market Manager, Mr. Akpelan Terhemba, described the Commissioner’s visit as timely and highly welcome.

The Chairman of Modern Market, Hon. Hillary, warmly received the Commissioner and presented the major challenges confronting traders, including the poor condition of the market hall, non-functional toilets, bad internal roads, inadequate water supply, damaged culverts, lack of security lights and prolonged power outage.

He appealed to the Commissioner to urgently engage the Executive Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on immediate intervention to restore the market to a befitting commercial centre.

Responding, Hon. Ankwa Amo II assured the market leadership and traders that their concerns would receive the attention they deserve, describing Governor Alia as a hardworking and listening Governor committed to infrastructure development across Benue State.

The Commissioner subsequently toured the market and personally inspected the affected facilities, including the market hall, roads, toilets, drainage systems, water facilities and other areas requiring urgent rehabilitation.

He also inspected the fire service station, commended the personnel for keeping the facility in good condition and appreciated their contribution to protecting lives and property.

The Commissioner further inspected the faulty transformer responsible for the prolonged darkness in the market and assured the traders that the matter would be properly communicated to the appropriate authorities.

During his interaction with the marketers and youths, he encouraged them to remain united, peaceful and supportive of initiatives aimed at improving businesses and creating a better future for Benue State.

The delegation included Mrs. Kpindi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Mrs. Regina Angahar, Director of Trade; Mrs. Yandev, Director of Industry; Mrs. Charista Michael, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics; Mrs. Rhoda Ako, Director of Administration; Mrs. Mary Aba, Director of Finance; and Pastor Egbe Emmanuel, Director of Investment, alongside other stakeholders including Hon. Gbaya, GLO Logo Local Government Area; Hon. Patrick Nyietagher; Hon. Apaa Kaakaa; Director, Quality Assurance (SUBEB) Mr. Joel Hilejime; Business Expert, Mr. Uter Terkura; Mr. Tyoutsa Desmond; and Hon. Prince Tiger Anyam Ushahemba.

The inspection has renewed hope among traders that the concerns confronting Modern Market will soon receive decisive government intervention, as the Commissioner’s firsthand assessment has placed the urgent needs of the market firmly before the state government.

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