News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Benue state Government has commenced plans to build an airport with three wings; International, Domestic and Cargo as well as an Export/Import Processing Zone in the state.
The Governor explained that the airport would be built along Makurdi-Gboko road to ameliorate the sufferings of Benue people.
The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Rev. Frederick Ikyaan disclosed this on Friday, 26th September, 2025 during a meeting with traditional rulers from the affected Local Government Areas (LGAs), of Guma, Gboko, Gwer East and Tarka.
The Commissioner said the Airport would be cited on the left hand side of the road from Makurdi, immediately after Agasha junction while the Processing Zone will be on the right hand side of the same area, requiring land up to 100 hectares.
He said the Governor wants the project to commence immediately but deemed it fit to inform them before taking any further action.
He however informed that, survey of the land has already been done, adding that there is also need to plan the area for ease of development.
Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, Ter Gwer, Chief Dominic Akpe and Ter Gboko, Chief Gabriel Shosom all described the move as a welcome development that will help solve some of their problems including herdsmen invaders.
The traditional rulers particularly sent words of appreciation to Governor Hyacinth Alia for the noble project but requested for adequate compensation for indigenes of the affected communities.
They appreciated the Commissioner for the steps he has taken so far, saying they are happy with his disposition to carry them along by requesting them to provide representatives that will follow up developments there on their behalf.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Survey, Matthias Antor thanked the traditional rulers and charged them to enlighten their people as according to him, any correspondence from the community not endorsed by the chiefs will not be honored.
Our correspondent reports that the Commissioner was flanked at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Eunice Ihu, Director General, Benue Geographic Information System (BENGIS), Professor Daniel Amine, Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Surveyor Matthias Antor and Directors of the ministry among others.
