Over 900 women from the Ntsuruakpa Izhia community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State took to the streets in protest over the alleged abandonment of the Abakaliki-Enugu expressway rehabilitation project.
The women blocked the dual carriageway at the Ezzamgbo Flyover junction early in the morning, voicing their frustration over the slow progress of the project, which has been ongoing since last year.
Tragic Accidents and Loss of Lives
Mrs. Blessing Okweshi, who led the protest, decried the deteriorating state of the road, which has led to multiple accidents and fatalities among residents and travelers.
“The worst incident happened last Sunday when a pregnant woman, Chika Unah, along with her unborn baby and a man, was killed instantly after being hit by a lorry. The driver fled without reporting to the police,” she recounted.
She further described the road as being in terrible condition, riddled with potholes and construction debris, with no proper signage since 2024.
“Our people are tired of dying needlessly due to this project’s delay. That’s why we are here, demanding immediate action,” she stated.
Calls for Government Intervention
HRH Eze Joseph Ozogbuo Okafor, the traditional ruler of Ntsuruakpa Izhia, held the contractor responsible for the poor handling of the project and urged both state and federal governments to intervene urgently to prevent further tragedies.
Responding to the protest, Ohaukwu Local Government Chairman, Prince Ikechukwu Odono, appealed to the women to return home, assuring them that the contractor would be held accountable and made to complete the project without further delays.
The protesting women have called for swift government action to ensure the road is made safe for all users, preventing further loss of lives.
