The Benue office of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group 2027 and other structures were on Thursday demolished by officials of the state Urban Development Board.

Dr Aker Kpev, Director General of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group 2027, told newsmen on Thursday in Makurdi that officials of the Benue State Urban Development Board carried out the exercise.

Kpev said the incident has already been reported to the relevant authorities, adding that a proper investigation will be conducted into the matter to ascertain the real reason behind it.

He explained that the office was inaugurated on October 31st, adding that they had not received any notices from the board before the demolition.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the demolition affected the perimeter fence and gate of the building.

However, the Benue Government stated that the ongoing demolition exercise along the Wurukum–Yaikyor–Apir–Ikpayongo axis of Makurdi was for the dualization of the Makurdi/Enugu Road.

Mr Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, in a statement, said the demolitions are supervised by government officials.

Kula said the exercise was not limited to Makurdi, adding that dualisation extends from Makurdi to the Benue–Enugu boundary, while the Enugu State Government would continue from its boundary to the termination point of the project.

The CPS stated that the government, through the relevant agencies, conducted a thorough assessment of all structures affected by the dualisation project.

He explained that owners of legitimate buildings with proper approvals have been duly compensated in accordance with laid-down procedures.

“However, those whose properties lacked approval or were illegally erected on government right of way were duly notified and directed to vacate, as such structures contravene town planning regulations and pose a danger to the integrity of the road expansion work.

“It is therefore mischievous and deceitful for anyone whose property has been marked for lawful demolition to attempt to politicise the process by repainting, mounting billboards, or posting the image or name of any leader on such structures in an attempt to stir sentiment or blackmail the government.

“We therefore urge the public to disregard the false narratives being circulated by merchants of deceit and divisive politics.

“The ongoing demolitions are not acts of victimisation but necessary steps toward modernisation and the infrastructural renewal of our dear state.

“Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of distortion and political mischief. We appeal to well-meaning citizens to see the bigger picture: that this project, once completed, will bring immense benefit to the people of Benue and Nigeria at large,” he said. (Vanguard)