Ugondo/Airforce land dispute would be resolved soon – Benue governor

Governor of Benue State, Samule Ortom said, the land controversy between the Nigerian Airforce and Ugondo community in parts of Makurdi and Gwer East local government areas of Benue State would be amicably resolved.

He stated this on Thursday, while briefing newsmen after a peace meeting between officials of the Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Airforce, Makurdi and stakeholders from Ugondo community.

The Governor said he had appealed to the Tactical Air Command to concede 350 hectares of land from the 4,000 hectares housing the command to Ugondo Community to permanently end the age long land dispute between the command and the host community.

He said members of the community had initially demanded that 900 hectares of land be conceded to them, but owing to appeals and consultations, the community had agreed to accept 350 hectares.

Governor Ortom disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force authorities in Makurdi had promised to consult the Chief of Air Staff on the issue and get back to him, giving assurance that the matter will harmoniously be resolved.

According to the Governor, other issues raised by the community bothered on corporate social responsibility of the Tactical Air Command in the areas of provision of educational and health facilities as well as potable water which the command promised to address.

On the issue of compensation which the community also requested, the Governor said he would follow up the matter with members of the National Assembly from the state to see how best the matter could be resolved.

Governor Ortom used the opportunity to sympathize with the Chief of Air Staff and the entire Air Force formation in the country over the death of the first female combatant pilot, Tolulope Arotile and prayed God to grant her soul eternal rest and the entire Air Force and her immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.