Residents of Ogbagi Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State took to the streets on Monday in a peaceful protest against the deteriorating condition of federal roads connecting their community to other parts of the state.
The demonstration, which proceeded despite heavy rainfall, saw farmers, artisans, commercial drivers, and traders marching through major routes in the agrarian community. Protesters carried placards demanding immediate government intervention on the Ikare-Ogbagi-Irun Akoko road, a critical link to Ado-Ekiti.
Community members described the road as a death trap, highlighting frequent accidents, mounting economic hardship, and tragic loss of lives resulting from its deplorable condition.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, Oluwatuyi Aderemi, who served as spokesperson for the demonstrators, emphasized that their action represented a unified plea for survival.
"This road is no longer just bad, it's a serious danger to everyone who uses it. Farmers can't move their goods, commuters are constantly at risk, and we've lost too many lives already. It's a crisis," he stated.
Aderemi further warned about the growing threat of erosion, which could potentially sever access to the community entirely if left unaddressed. He called on both federal and state governments to prioritize the rehabilitation of the road, stressing its significance for economic development, safety, and daily transportation needs.
"Our roads are the arteries of our community. When they collapse, everything else suffers—trade, healthcare, security. We're appealing for urgent and meaningful action, not promises," he added.
In response to the protest, the Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Wasiu Owolabi, acknowledged the community's frustrations while assuring residents that reconstruction efforts were already underway. He revealed that eight kilometers of the 40-kilometer stretch had been completed, emphasizing that the project would enhance connectivity and support local economic activities once finished.
"We understand the concerns raised, and we ask the residents to exercise patience. The government is committed to finishing this project in good time," Owolabi said.
The Ikare-Ogbagi-Irun Akoko road situation highlights the broader infrastructure challenges facing many Nigerian communities, where deteriorating transportation networks significantly impact economic activities and quality of life.
Stay updated with more developments on this story by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
