By Umar Muhammed, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi Sule has directed immediate repairs on the Keana-Giza road, which was completely severed by recent floods, warning that further delay could isolate Keana town from the rest of the state.
The governor gave the order on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of flood damage in Keana Local Government Area and an inspection of the ongoing Keana-Abuni-Kanje road project.
“The impact of the flood is most devastating on the road connecting Keana and Giza,” Sule said. “Commuters now have to go through Lafia and Obi just to get between the two communities. This is something we must address immediately. We have to find contractors to quickly repair the damage.”
To fast-track the response, Sule instructed Engineer Muhammad Sidi Sani, Director-General of the State Bureau for Rural Development, to mobilize a contractor for urgent remedial work. He warned that without swift action, the only access route to Keana could be cut off completely.
The governor commended community leaders, including the Osana of Keana, HRH Alhaji Abdullahi Amegwa Agbo, and LG Chairman Hon. Adamu Aboki, for calming residents and maintaining security during the crisis.
“I thank everyone for their efforts—especially the chairman, who remains one of the most effective leaders in ensuring security and development,” Sule added.
However, the governor expressed disappointment over the slow pace of work on the Keana-Abuni-Kanje road, urging the contractor to accelerate construction. He announced that the state would release an additional 20 percent of the project’s total cost to hasten completion.
Sule was accompanied by Commissioner for Environment Margaret Elayo, Secretary to the State Government Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, NEWMAP-EIB State Coordinator Dr. Mohammed Isma’il, and other officials during the visit.
Recent floods devastated several Keana communities, cutting off Giza and threatening to wash away the bridge linking Keana to the rest of Nasarawa State—a situation that residents say underscores the urgency of the governor’s directive.