Association Threatens To Sue Benue Govt Over N803m Buruku Bridge Compensation

The Tombo Development Association has threatened legal action against the Benue State government over the disbursement of N803 million approved as compensation for residents affected by the Buruku Bridge project.

The association accused the government of breaching an earlier agreement and attempting to shortchange the property owners through what it described as a unilateral review of the compensation schedule.

At the centre of the dispute is the payment for structures and farmlands to be demolished to pave the way for the bridge’s Right of Way in Buruku local government area.

In a statement signed by the president of the association, Dr Philip Akor Andiir Gur, it alleged that the community had lawfully mandated an environmental consultant through a power of attorney to conduct an independent assessment of affected assets, which culminated in a compensation figure of N803 million.

He claimed that while government officials had earlier indicated an approval of N900 million for the project, the process had allegedly taken a different turn, with attempts to alter the agreed compensation framework.

The association specifically accused a Director of Civil Engineering at the Benue State Ministry of Works of refusing to channel the funds through the association as earlier agreed and instead paying individual claimants directly, based on a revised valuation said to contain lower figures.

Describing the move as unacceptable, the association said it had served a pre-action notice on the state government, signaling its intention to seek legal redress if the matter was not resolved amicably.

“This is not just about figures; it is about honouring agreements and respecting due process,” a member of the association said.

Some affected residents also expressed frustration over the delay in payment.

A community member, who identified himself simply as Iyorwase, accused the state government of “Playing games with us,” insisting that the prolonged process had deepened hardship in the area.

Another claimant, Mr. Mike Mnenge, whose property was reportedly demolished, lamented that the delay had stalled his plans to rebuild.

“If I were paid, I would have built a new house for my family. It appears people in government are not bothered about our plight,” he said.