Widespread anger erupted on Tuesday in Delta State as frustrated residents and motorists staged a massive protest over the deplorable condition of the Ovwian/Udu Road, a key route connecting the region to the Udu Local Government headquarters.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the demonstration, organized by the Coalition Group, began at the Cross and Stop Junction along Udu Expressway and advanced toward Daddy Bakery, a stretch notorious for deep potholes and traffic congestion.
The road, which serves thousands of commuters daily, has reportedly deteriorated beyond use, prompting residents to accuse the Delta State Government of abandonment and indifference.
The protesters, holding placards and chanting solidarity songs, demanded immediate intervention from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Udu Council Chairman Vincent Oyibode, and Obakpor Engineering Chairman Olorogun John Oguma, whose company was awarded the contract for the road’s rehabilitation.
According to the protest leader, Olorogun Mudiaga, the road crisis affects not just Ovwian, but neighboring areas like Orhuwhorun and Owhrode as well.
“There is no road in Udu. We are completely cut off,” Mudiaga told reporters.
“The suffering is unbearable, and we’ve had enough. Governor Sheriff, please listen, we are tired of suffering.”
He further criticized the contractor, John Oguma, for failing to mobilize to site and blamed the council chairman for refusing to intervene, citing jurisdictional limitations.
Another protester, Comrade Goodluck Mukoro, stated emphatically, “This is the only major road in Udu, and it’s shameful that nobody is paying attention.
If the government refuses to act, we will block and occupy this road until it is fixed.”
Mukoro also appealed to interventionist agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), and the Western Udu Development Association (WEUDA) to urgently address the crisis.
Motorists are equally bearing the brunt of the road’s decay.
A daily user of the road, Patrick Onoriode, said he has replaced his vehicle’s bumper three times in four months.
“I work on this road and live in Ujevwu. Every day is a nightmare. The government and contractors don’t care, we only matter to them during elections,” he lamented.
Another resident, David Idowu, a local panel beater, shared his near-death experience after his motorcycle plunged into a crater-like pothole on the road.
“I could have died that day. The suffering we endure here is wickedness. These politicians wait for tragedy before responding,” he said bitterly.
At the time of reporting, no official response had been issued by the Delta State Government.
Residents insist they will continue their peaceful protests until the road is fixed, describing it as a matter of life and death.
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