Mr Justine Shaku, Chairman, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of ​​Benue, said the continued activities of criminal elements within the council have left many schools, markets and primary health clinics closed for more than a year.

Shaku told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone on Tuesday that all social infrastructure in the council was also damaged.

He explained that “over 20 schools, 23 markets and 13 primary health clinics remain closed, following the continued activities of criminal elements.

in local administration.

“A total of eight council wards are also badly affected.

“The insecurity in the area was a challenge. Agriculture, which is the major source of our livelihood, is greatly affected by so many challenges at the moment.”

He, however, said his administration would focus on rebuilding, rehabilitating and resuscitating all the broken economic sectors in the council.

He said he would focus on health, education, roads, agriculture and security to boost the council’s economy, “and make sure schools come back to life”.

Shaku, who said the council’s secretariat was an eyesore, added that it “needs total reconstruction”.

He explained that with the Supreme Court ruling granting autonomy to local governments, he is ready to rebuild the damaged infrastructure within the council and work hard to fulfill his campaign promises.