January 21, (THEWILL) — The management of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), on Wednesday, took over two landed properties illegally sold to individuals by the past administration.
The Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, who led management staff on the operations, later mounted billboards at the buildings located at No. 96, George Akume Way, and one hectare of Land along Nyeson Wike road, Makurdi, the state capital.
Fielding questions from newsmen after the exercise, Dr Asemakaha explained that the two properties were purchased on October 12, 2016, and November 2, 2016, on behalf of BIPC, but no money was received into Benue State treasury till now.
“After a total forensic analysis, it was discovered that these lands were purchased. BIPC made a proxy investment but never saw returns from the investment”, Asemakaha declared.
According to the Group Managing Director, in the course of the investigation, it was discovered that a certain account that people in government moved money into was closed but have to reopen it and traced it down to the land in question.
Speaking further, Asemakaha said the EFCC has been put on notice and is on the matter to forclose it, while billboards have been mounted to warn unsuspecting members of the public from buying the affected properties.
He stated that BIPC under an Edict 10 of 1995 have the mandate to take care of Government assets and make an investment that would bring interest to the government treasury, warning that anyone that collude to defraud government will soon face sanctions.
While assuring Benue people of transparency in affairs of the company, Dr Asemakaha, advised anyone aggrieved over the lands to come with proof of ownership for possible resolution.
