Kebbi Monarch Urges FG To Reconstruct Nigeria-Benin Border Road
The District Head of Illo in Kebbi State, Muhammad Wankwai, has called on the Federal Government to urgently reconstruct the Bagudo-Ka’oje-Tsamiya-Illo-Lolo Federal Road linking Nigeria with the Republic of Benin.
Wankwai made the appeal on Monday when Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, visited the area to sympathise with residents following successive attacks by bandits on communities and security personnel.
The traditional ruler said the deplorable condition of the road had created serious transportation difficulties, with vehicles frequently breaking down and commuters exposed to accidents.
He stressed that reconstructing the road would not only improve transportation but also boost economic activities between Nigeria and neighbouring Benin Republic.
“Many vehicles break down in transit, while some are involved in accidents because of the deplorable nature of the road,” Wankwai said, urging the Federal Government to intervene urgently.
Speaking on the road project, the member representing Suru/Bagudo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Bello Ka’oje, disclosed that the Federal Government had awarded a N25 billion contract for its reconstruction up to the Benin border.
Ka’oje said construction had commenced on the Ka’oje section but was later stalled due to lack of funds. He added that efforts were ongoing to secure the necessary resources to resume work.
He attributed some of the funding challenges to global economic developments, including the impact of the Iran-Israel conflict, but expressed optimism that the situation was improving.
Meanwhile, Governor Idris condemned the recent bandit attacks in Bagudo Local Government Area and assured residents that his administration was implementing measures to restore peace and security in the affected communities.
The governor described the security situation as unusual for Bagudo, which he said had historically been known for peace, and pledged continued support for residents affected by the attacks.
