Mr Emmanuel Manger, the Benue Commissioner for Works and Transport, has warned land speculators to desist from selling plots of land at the Genabe Village.
Manger said on Friday in Makurdi that the government would soon commence the geographical mapping of the area for layouts.
He expressed regret that some unscrupulous land speculators were already taking advantage of the new feeder road passing through the village to sell plots of land to unsuspecting buyers at exorbitant rates.
The commissioner warned that government would not be dragged into payment of unnecessary compensations to buyers who did not follow the due process in acquiring such lands.
He also denied allegations that the state government deliberately narrowed the new feeder road to avoid payment of compensation if it was constructed according to specifications.
“These allegations are the handiwork a of mischief makers; roads have specifications and designs which are strictly followed.
“The road in question is a rural road and there is no way it could be widened beyond specification.
“Besides, there is no question of compensation because there has been an existing track on which we are simply constructing on.”
Manger appealed to the people to refrain from spreading rumors and running down the government, explaining that the Ortom administration was determined to improve the well being of the people.
He said the new road would open up economic activities in the village and guarantee social security to the natives through the establishment of social facilities at the new layout.
The Ortom administration embarked on the construction of rural roads across the three senatorial districts of the state in fulfillment of his campaign promise to the electorate.
