By Peace Udugba and Hon. Kenneth Ighalo -The daily torch media
Residents have decried the deteriorating condition of the Agbor–Uromi Federal Road, raising concerns over growing insecurity and economic hardship in the affected communities.
The road, which links Agbor to Igbanke, Ekpon, Ewossa, Ebele, Ogwa, Igueben, Ekpoma, Ewu and Uromi, and serves as a major route to Northern Nigeria, has reportedly fallen into a deplorable state.
According to residents, the once-busy expressway has deteriorated to the point where vehicles can hardly ply it.
Large potholes, deep gullies and badly damaged sections have made movement extremely difficult, forcing many motorists to abandon the route.
Beyond its poor condition, community members have expressed serious security concerns. They allege that the failed portions of the road have become a haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements, posing grave danger to commuters and residents.
The communities along the corridor are predominantly farming settlements that rely heavily on transporting agricultural produce to markets in neighboring towns and cities. However, due to repeated security threats and the worsening state of the road, many farmers say they can no longer safely move their goods, resulting in significant economic losses.
HRM, Kelvin usiho I, the Onojie of Ewossa, alongside other traditional rulers in the affected areas, has appealed to both the Federal and State Governments to urgently rehabilitate the road and strengthen security.
They emphasized that restoring the road would not only improve transportation but also provide much-needed relief and renewed hope for residents whose livelihoods depend on it.
