The Benue State Government said it will relocate people living in houses within a 100-metre radius of the bank of the River Benue.

Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Solid Minerals, Frederick Ikyaan, made the disclosure in a statement issued by his media aide, Akaha Sule, on Tuesday in Makurdi.

Mr Ikyaan said that his office had already commenced interfacing with Wurukum community stakeholders over plans to carry out the exercise.

The commissioner said that the government would create a new layout and relocate the people residing on the riverbank.

He stated that the efforts were to mitigate flooding that often leads to loss of lives and destruction of properties.

Mr Ikyaan solicited the people’s cooperation and urged the stakeholders to sensitise their people accordingly.

Responding, the Kindred Head of Wurukum, Simon Tov, said that the community was happy with the development posture of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Mr Tov said that they would not reject the move and described it as a welcome development.

Meanwhile, Nuhu Apake, Abdulsalam Amanke, and Dennis Adanji all appreciated the move by the government and the timely information.

They further appealed to the government to consider them for employment opportunities as well.

Also, Peter Atuba and Amos Yange said that they were proud of what the governor was doing and pledged to support the initiative, stating that it would alleviate their sufferings.

(NAN)