The Nigerian Senate has declared the deteriorating Onyagede–Ogobia Road in Benue State a national security project, urging the Federal Government to immediately commence its rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The resolution followed the consideration and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Works, which described the road as a strategic route with major implications for security, economic activities and connectivity across several states.
Members of the Senate said the poor condition of the road had contributed to rising security challenges in the area, citing the June 26, 2026 killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah.
The duo were reportedly ambushed by unidentified gunmen near Okudu village along the Onyagede–Otukpo axis while returning from a security and peacebuilding meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The lawmakers called for emergency repairs on the road and urged the Federal Government to fast-track its reconstruction through adequate budgetary allocations and relevant infrastructure intervention programmes.
They also stressed the need for proper drainage systems and erosion control measures to be included in the project to prevent flooding, reduce road damage and minimise future maintenance costs.
Beyond the Onyagede–Ogobia Road, the Senate urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate at least two critical feeder roads in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to improve transportation, stimulate economic growth and promote balanced infrastructure development.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the committee’s recommendations, stating that improved road networks would enhance the movement of people and goods, boost agricultural activities and strengthen national security by providing better access to vulnerable communities.
Akpabio directed that copies of the Senate’s resolutions be forwarded to the Minister of Works and the chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Appropriations to facilitate increased funding for the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Meanwhile, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) raised concerns over the poor state of major federal highways connecting Benin City with Asaba, Auchi and Okene.
Oshiomhole described the routes as important economic corridors requiring urgent intervention, alleging that road projects by the Ministry of Works had not been evenly distributed.
The former Edo State governor urged the ministry to ensure fairness in the allocation of road projects and provide adequate funding to improve transportation, trade and economic activities along the affected routes.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.