Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has threatened to arrest the contractor handling a section of the vital Benin-Abraka Road project for allegedly abandoning the site after receiving full payment from the previous administration.
Speaking on Saturday, October 3, 2026, during an inspection tour and political engagement in Iguomo-Nisi, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Governor Okpebholo voiced strong frustration over the prolonged hardship commuters face on the interstate corridor, which serves as a major transit route connecting Edo and Delta States.
According to the governor, the road project was split between two contractors. While one firm has achieved over 75 percent completion, the second contractor, allegedly a close associate of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, absconded after collecting mobilization funds, leaving his assigned stretch in severe disrepair.
“That road was given to two contractors. One of them is working and is doing his job and has gotten up to 75 per cent completion, while the other, who is a friend to Obaseki, has abandoned his section and has become the problem causing hardship on the road,” Okpebholo stated during the gathering.
Addressing community members and party supporters, the governor noted that despite initially holding back from commenting on the matter, the sheer scale of public outcry compelled his direct intervention.
“Those in the diaspora don’t know what is happening and for me as the governor, I never wanted to speak on the issue of this Benin-Abraka Road, but what I heard today has prompted me to speak on the issue. I am going to arrest that contractor,” the governor warned.
The governor was accompanied by top government officials and prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains. Speaking at the venue, Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, praised the governor’s proactive approach to infrastructure development and commended party members for their unwavering support.
Tenebe further urged voters across the state to continue backing the administration’s developmental agenda, reaffirming the state chapter’s commitment to delivering massive support for President Bola Tinubu in upcoming national engagements.
The state government previously signaled plans to revoke defaulted contracts on the Benin-Abraka axis to facilitate fresh awards and ensure speedy completion. Governor Okpebholo assured residents that his administration remains determined to hold defaulting contractors accountable and restore seamless mobility along the critical interstate commerce route.
