Imo youths threaten protest over abandoned federal road

Youths of Ohaji, in Ohaji/Egbema council area of Imo state, have threatened to embark on protest if contractors of Umuapu axis of Owerri/Port Harcourt express road fail to return to the road and complete the contract.

This was contained in a protest letter jointly endorsed by the President National Congress of Ohaji Youth (NACOY), Comrade Nwosu Nicholas Tochi, and the Secretary of NACOY, Comrade Edi Victor Okezuo and forwarded to NDDC, Federal Ministry of Works, and Imo State Government

He said: “the youths of Ohaji, road users, and communities residing along the Owerri-Port Harcourt Road express our deep frustration and grave concern over the deplorable state of the Umuapu axis of this federal road”

The youth body raised alarm about multiple trailers and tankers that had fallen and completely blocked the Umuapu section due to the dangerously deteriorated road conditions.

According to then, the tragic and recurring situation has been caused by the abandonment of the emergency remedial work initiated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in December 2024

They complained that the contractor handling this project has deserted the site, leaving the road in a worse condition adding that consequences of this neglect are severe such as regular accidents that have led to the loss of lives destruction of goods and vehicles, and total blockage of the highway, also causing untold hardship to motorists, commuters, and businesses.

NACOY said: “there has being negative economic impact on traders, transporters, and residents in surrounding communities, increased security risks as stranded road users become vulnerable to armed robbery and attacks”.

They described the failure of the contractors to complete this critical repair work as unacceptable and a clear disregard for the welfare of Nigerians who rely on this road for their daily activities.

The group therefore demanded an immediate resumption and completion of the abandoned project while urging NDDC and the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure that the contractor returns to the site immediately to complete the road repairs.

They also appealed to the Imo State Government to intervene and put pressure on relevant agencies to fix this road before the rainy season worsens the situation.

The President reminded that a clear timeline must be provided for the full completion of the repair work as there would be temporary measures to be put in place to ensure free traffic flow and prevent further loss of lives and property.

They said: “failure to act swiftly will leave us with no choice but to mobilize a peaceful protest and block the highway until urgent action is taken. We cannot continue to suffer due to government negligence and contractor irresponsibility”

The protest letter was equally forwarded to the Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Headquarters, Port Harcourt
Rivers State, Nigeria, the Executive Chairman Ohaji/Egbema LGA and the Hon. Commissioner for Works, Imo.