A standstill ensued along the Sasaro, Igarra, Ayetoro axis of the Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo road in Akoko-Edo local government area as frustrated residents took to the streets to protest the dismal state of the road, which serves as a vital link between Edo and Ondo states.
Carrying placards emblazoned with various inscriptions, such as “Sasaro, Igarra, Ibillo road is now a mirage” and “what are taxpayers’ money for,” the residents expressed their discontent over the deplorable condition of the road. The protest initially commenced from the Sasaro Egbigere axis, where the road’s dilapidated portions have become a nightmarish experience for users. The demonstrators emphasized that the deteriorating state of the road has also contributed to the increased activities of kidnappers in the area.
The protest was organized by a coalition of civil society groups, including the Igara Development Association (IDA), Okpaemri Descendants Union (ODU), Igarra Youth Movement (IYM), Okpameri Youths Association (OYA), as well as numerous individuals, including religious leaders.
Speaking on the issue, Victor Arogunyo said “we are appealing to the federal government through the Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja to please facilitate funds to the contractor handling the road so that the job can be done fast.”
He also said, “We are appealing to the Edo State Government. Though it is a federal government road but the people who are living here are Edo citizens, so we are appealing to Governor Godwin Obaseki through the Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere to please reach out to all involved to fix this road because the economic activities of Akoko-Edo people have been disrupted and almost stopped.”
On his part, Alaba Lawani said “We are not saying that the government should give us money, we are saying that they should fix our road, we are not asking for too much, we are not asking for the abominable, we are asking for what is ours within the purview of the law, the government should come and fix our roads, we are tired.”
Also, Mr. Kamshire Moses, “We need the governor’s good will here, we appeal to him, he is the Chief Security Officer of the state, he should do something about the road. Once it is 4 0’clock nobody is ready to ply this road because that is when the kidnappers come out, this time, they will be hiding.”
The paramount ruler of Igarra/Akuku Clan, HRH, Oba Adeche Saiki II, Otaru of Igarra also said: “I am surprised that for the past one year, the contractor is still on the same spot. The job is not going well, it is a waste of time, you can hardly travel from here to Benin without encountering troubles occasioned by bad spots.
“I want to appeal to the federal government that if it is finances that are holding back the work, they should please release money for contractor because we are suffering and finding it difficult to move from one place to another.”
