Ebonyi LG begins road construction for community attacked by gunmen

The Chairman of Ishielu Local Goverment Area (LGA) of Ebonyi, Chief Henry Eze, has launched the construction of a four-kilometer road for the Egedegede Community.

The community was recently attacked by gunmen who killed 17 persons and destroyed people’s property in the area.

Eze told newsmen during the ceremony on Wednesday that the project was meant to reassure the people that they had not been abandoned.

He said that the road would also help the natives, who are predominantly farmers, to transport their farm produce to the city for sale.

“This Egedegede-Nkalaha Road also leads to Benue.

“It will enhance the people’s economic and social wellbeing, when completed.

“It will be constructed on concrete pavement,” he said, adding that the earthwork had been completed.

The council boss further said that the road would have nine culverts, pointing out that the materials needed for its construction had been procured.

Eze, whose tenure would end on Aug. 31, expressed happiness that he had several legacies on ground.

He hoped that his successor would sustain them.

“We constructed over 30 boreholes and empowered several indigenes, among other projects,” he said.

He also said that his administration provided adequate security in the area.

He said that the Federal Government had paid compensation to the victims of the attack.

The incoming Chairman of the council, Mr John Onwe, promised to sustain the construction of the road even after Eze had left office.

“The road is strategic and will especially enhance the agricultural capacity of the people.

“I want to assure our people that all the ongoing projects inherited from the outgoing administration would be completed for the people’s benefit.

“I will also sustain the prevailing peace in the area and initiate measures to beef up security in the area,” Onwe said.

The LGA APC Chairman, Mr Ikechukwu Abah, commended the chairman for the projects he executed during his tenure.

Abah described them as a manifestation of the party’s commitment to grassroots development.