Okpebholo Threatens to Arrest Contractor Over Abandoned Benin-Abraka Road Project

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has threatened to arrest the contractor handling a section of the Benin-Abraka Road over the alleged abandonment of the project.

Okpebholo made the statement on Friday while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress in Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode Local Government Areas during his ongoing tour of the state.

The governor said his administration had been constrained from immediately intervening on the affected section because of contractual agreements entered into by the previous administration.

According to Okpebholo, the Benin-Abraka Road was divided into two sections and awarded to two contractors before he assumed office.

He said one of the contractors had continued work and had completed about 75 per cent of its section, while the other had allegedly abandoned its portion despite having received payment.

Okpebholo said the condition of the abandoned section had caused significant hardship for motorists and residents who depend on the road.

“Despite the payment by the previous administration, the contractor still abandoned the road, allowing motorists to suffer untold hardship passing through the road,” the governor said.

He alleged that the contractor responsible for the abandoned section had links to former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, describing the contractor as a friend of the former governor.

Okpebholo said he had previously avoided making public comments about the project but was prompted to speak after hearing complaints from residents during his visit.

“Those in the diaspora don’t know what is happening and for me as the governor, I never wanted to speak on the issue of this Benin-Abraka Road, but what I heard today has prompted me to speak on the issue. I am going to arrest that contractor,” he said.

The development comes days after the Edo State Government announced plans to revoke and re-award the contract for the failed section of the road at Ikpe Waterside in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

The government said the move was aimed at ensuring that the affected section was completed and easing the difficulties faced by residents and commuters.

The Benin-Abraka Road is an important route linking communities in Edo State and is used by motorists travelling between Benin City and parts of Delta State.