By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
The parameter fence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, BAT, Support Group 2027 office in Benue State located along Makurdi-Otukpo road, opposite Balcony Bar has been demolished by persons suspected to be personnel of the Urban Development Board.
The BAT Support Group Office in Benue State donated by Dr Mathias Byuan, Executive Director, Housing, Finance and Accounts, Federal Housing Authority Abuja, was commissioned on October 21 to assist coordination of President Tinubu campaigns ahead 2027.
Director General of the support group, Dr. Saalu Akeakpev, who conducted journalists round the premises after a media briefing yesterday in Makurdi, said officials reported to the office only to discover that bulldozers were breaking down the fence.
He said officials of Urban Development Board were seen accompanied by the police during the demolition exercise without any prior information, explanation or notice neither did they talk to anybody, expressing disappointment that the same agency that gave approval for building of the fence would come back without notice to break it down.
On whether the demolition is carried out by the construction company handling the dualization of Makurdi – Otukpo- Enugu Road, Akeakpev insisted that no company vehicle or official was available during the exercise other than the police and Urban Development Board personnel.
He explained that the demolished fence is far behind the high-tension towers with a lot of other buildings including the BIPC filling station all closer to the road but allowed to stand.
He expressed worry why Urban Development Board would take interest in pulling down fence of a building coordinating campaign activities of Mr President, describing the action as vindictive.
Akeakpev who said the organization is avoiding pointing accusing fingers until the outcome of investigation, said the office has briefed the convener of the group, Dr. Mathias Byuan as well as reported to the police to unravel circumstances behind the action, assuring members of the public that by the time investigations of the matter were completed, the office will make public those on its suspicion list and appealed for calm.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Tersoo Kula, in a swift reaction described the allegations as misrepresentation of desperate politicians.
He explained that the demolition taking place has not targeted any building, stating that the exercise taking place on designated road setbacks and rights of way is part of the legitimate and well supervised dualization of the Makurdi – Enugu highway road project which he noted as a critical infrastructure project of the federal government.
The Chief Press Secretary listed other properties affected by the exercise to include part of the Benue Investment Property Company Limited (BIPC), Shafa Filing Station, Evergreen Filling Station the National Open University of Nigeria Study Center, ADC State Secretariat, and the Nigeria Immigration Service amongst others; all willingly gave up all or parts of their structures for the greater good.
He described the demolition exercise as impartial, arguing that many significant structures in Makurdi have been affected for the sake of national progress, stating that any deliberate outcry should be regarded as cheap attempt to create political conflict by people acting immaturely.
Kula who said Benue State Government is fully and strongly in support of the federal project, advised those whose structures have been demolished without payment of compensation to seek court redress to claim damages rather than resulting to falsehood.