March 21, (THEWILL) – The Vice-Chancellor of Benue State University, Makurdi, Professor Tor Joe Iorapuu, has accused the proprietor of Mission House International Church, Evangelist Tor Uja, of encroaching on the institution’s land.
During a tour of the affected site near River Benue in Makurdi on Friday, Professor Iorapuu alleged that such encroachment has persisted for years, with past Vice-Chancellors’ efforts to halt it proving futile.
He stated that despite the intervention by the Benue State Urban Development Board (BSUDB), Mission House International conducted illegal construction at night using torchlights.
Professor Iorapuu clarified that the church’s original entry point is through Duku Park, Wurukum, but the proprietor created an unauthorised access route on the university’s land. He vowed to resist further encroachment on the land secured by former Governor, Revd Fr Moses Iorshio Adasu, for the university’s establishment.
“The university management is capable of defending its cause without dragging the governor into this matter”, he asserted.
Reacting to the issue, the BSUDB General Manager, Ter Mede, described the structures erected by Mission House International as illegal, confirming no approval was granted.
He disclosed that 202 hectares were officially allocated to the university, while 1.7 hectares were approved for the church. He noted that nighttime construction “speaks volumes about ulterior motives”.
Mede pledged to engage the governor on the matter, urging calm and assuring resolution through mature dialogue.
