Mr. Justine Shaku, the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area in Benue, has revealed that the ongoing activities of criminal groups have led to the closure of numerous schools, markets, and primary health clinics for more than a year.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Shaku shared that all social infrastructure within the council has been significantly affected. He explained that “over 20 schools, 23 markets, and 13 primary health clinics are still closed due to the continuous criminal activities in the local government.”
He pointed out that eight council wards have also been severely impacted. “The insecurity in this area has been quite challenging, especially for agriculture, which is our main source of income,” he noted.
Nevertheless, Shaku affirmed that his administration is committed to rebuilding, rehabilitating, and revitalizing the damaged economic sectors within the council. His focus will be on health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and security to improve the local economy and reactivate the schools.
He criticized the current state of the council secretariat, describing it as an eyesore that needs complete reconstruction. With the Supreme Court’s recent judgment granting local governments autonomy, Shaku expressed his determination to restore the council’s infrastructure and fulfill his campaign commitments.