The Abavo Clan Union, led by President General Mr. Justine Onyeibe, has issued a fervent plea to the Federal Government regarding the dire condition of the abandoned Agbor-Amukpe Road dualisation project. This vital artery, intended to connect communities and stimulate economic growth, has instead become a dangerous haven for criminal activity, particularly kidnapping, due to its protracted state of disrepair. The decade-old project, awarded in two phases in 2014 and mobilized between 2015 and 2016, has languished in neglect, transforming what was envisioned as a catalyst for progress into a symbol of broken promises and a source of profound hardship for the local population. The Union’s appeal underscores the urgent need for government intervention to address the escalating security concerns and revitalize the region’s economic potential.
The deplorable state of the Agbor-Amukpe Road has created a breeding ground for kidnappers, who exploit the road’s dilapidated condition to prey on vulnerable commuters. The once-promised dual carriageway has deteriorated into a treacherous single-lane track, riddled with potholes and often impassable during periods of rain. This hazardous environment provides ample cover for criminals, turning travelers into “sitting ducks” for ambush. The Union emphasizes that the road’s neglect is not merely an inconvenience; it is the primary driver of insecurity in the region and a significant impediment to economic development. The urgency of the situation demands immediate action to restore safety and revive the community’s hopes for a prosperous future.
The economic consequences of the abandoned road project are devastating. The road’s impassability has crippled agricultural trade, leaving farmers stranded with their produce. Perishable goods like yam, cassava, plantain, and tomatoes rot in heaps by the roadside, representing lost income and wasted potential. The inability to transport goods to distant markets has stifled economic growth and perpetuated a cycle of poverty in the region. The dualisation of the Agbor-Amukpe Road was envisioned as a transformative project, poised to unlock the agricultural, commercial, and industrial potential of Abavo and surrounding areas. However, its abandonment has dashed these hopes, leaving the community mired in economic stagnation.
The completion of the Agbor-Amukpe Road dualisation project is crucial for unlocking the economic potential of Abavo and the surrounding region. The Union argues that a functional road would significantly reduce transportation costs, attracting large-scale agricultural investors and facilitating the establishment of processing plants. This, in turn, would create much-needed jobs for the youth and transform Abavo from a bypassed town into a vibrant commercial hub. The road’s completion would not only improve the lives of local residents but also contribute to the overall economic development of Delta State. The potential benefits are substantial, making the project’s revitalization a matter of paramount importance.
The Abavo Clan Union’s appeal extends beyond the immediate need for improved infrastructure. It highlights the interconnectedness of security, economic development, and the well-being of the community. The abandoned road project has not only jeopardized the safety of travelers but also stifled economic growth and eroded the hopes of local residents. The Union’s call for government intervention is a plea for a safer, more prosperous future for Abavo and a testament to the community’s resilience in the face of adversity. Their message is clear: the completion of the Agbor-Amukpe Road is not just about building a road; it is about building a future.
Adding to the chorus of voices pleading for action, Chief Odigie Yusuf, representing the monarch of the Abavo kingdom, has called upon both the Federal and state governments to address the deplorable condition of the Agbor-Amukpe Road. He emphasizes that the road’s current state renders the recently approved flyover at the Agbor-Uromi junction largely ineffective. The flyover, intended to improve traffic flow, cannot achieve its full potential if the connecting road remains impassable and dangerous. Chief Yusuf’s intervention underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a coordinated effort between federal and state authorities to resolve this critical infrastructure challenge. The combined appeals of the Abavo Clan Union and the traditional leadership highlight the collective desire for a solution and the shared hope for a brighter future for the community.
