Edo Government Orders Immediate Repairs to Damaged Benin Bypass, Holds Haulage Firm Liable

Kingsley Ohens reporting

The Edo State Government has directed the immediate commencement of temporary repairs on a damaged section of the Benin Bypass after haulage equipment belonging to Build Well Nigeria Limited caused significant damage to the federal highway, disrupting the free flow of traffic.

The directive followed an on-site inspection of the affected section at Idogbo by the Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Phoebe Williams-Bello, who assured road users that urgent measures were being taken to restore the damaged stretch and safeguard the integrity of the critical transport corridor.

According to Williams-Bello, the company has formally accepted responsibility for the incident and signed a written undertaking to execute palliative repairs on approximately 150 metres of the affected road. She explained that the Edo State Government would work closely with all relevant agencies to ensure the repairs conform to approved engineering specifications and industry standards.

She reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting public infrastructure, stressing that individuals and corporate organisations found responsible for damaging government assets would be held fully accountable in accordance with the law.

The Federal Controller of Works in Edo State, Babatunde Tajudeen, described the incident as unacceptable, noting that the Benin Bypass is a strategic federal highway that requires immediate restoration. He disclosed that the damaged section falls within an ongoing 45-kilometre rehabilitation project being executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), extending from Oluku Junction to Sapele Road.

Also speaking during the inspection, the Chairman of the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, Eugene Okolosie, revealed that officials promptly intercepted those responsible for the incident. He stated that the haulage equipment involved had been impounded and would remain in government custody pending the conclusion of investigations and full compliance with directives issued by the relevant authorities.

The Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Works, John Obanor, assured that the ministry would provide the necessary technical oversight to guarantee that all repair works meet the highest quality standards and preserve the structural integrity of the highway.

Representing Build Well Nigeria Limited, Samuel Opeyemi reiterated the company’s commitment to cooperating fully with government authorities, pledging that the agreed repair works would commence without delay in line with the undertaking already signed.

The government’s swift intervention reflects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s determination to preserve public infrastructure, enforce accountability, and ensure that critical road networks remain safe and serviceable for all users. This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele.