Tension is mounting in Delta State as frustrated youths from Ukala-Okwute, Ezi, Ebu, and Ukala-Okpunor communities in Oshimili North and Aniocha North Local Government Areas have handed the state government a 30-day ultimatum to begin work on the long-abandoned Ukala-Okwute–Ezi–Ebu–Ukala Okpunor Road — a lifeline they say has been left to rot for years.
Operating under the banner of Concerned Youth for Good Governance, protesters on Tuesday stormed the Interbau Roundabout in Asaba in a peaceful demonstration, accusing the state of “criminal neglect” that has crippled trade, destroyed livelihoods, and endangered lives. They lamented that the road’s deplorable state has cut off communities from markets, schools, hospitals, and other vital services, forcing farmers to abandon produce to waste and leaving residents at the mercy of insecurity and road accidents.
“This road is our lifeline. Every day it remains abandoned, our people suffer,” one of the protest leaders, Imuma, declared. “We demand immediate mobilization of contractors, a clear project timeline, regular updates to residents, and strict quality control to ensure the work lasts. We also expect a government statement within seven days and a leadership meeting to discuss progress. We want collaboration, but silence is no longer an option.”
In response, Chief of Staff to the Delta State Government, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo, praised the youths for their peaceful conduct and assured them that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration would address their plight. “No part of Delta State will be neglected,” he said. “Your concerns will be conveyed to the Governor, and as we enter the dry season, this road will receive the attention it deserves. We urge you to remain calm and law-abiding.”
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Oshimili North Council Chairman, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, who had earlier appealed for the protest to be suspended, also commended the demonstrators and confirmed that the road was already on the government’s agenda.
The Ukala-Okwute–Ezi–Ebu–Ukala Okpunor Road is a major trade and transport artery in Delta State, linking rural farmers to urban markets and connecting communities to essential services. For now, residents are watching closely to see if the government’s promises will be matched by swift action before the 30-day deadline runs out.
