Commuters and residents using the 9th Mile–Obollo-Afor–Makurdi Federal Highway and the connecting Obollo-Afor–Eha-Amufu–Nkalagu road have raised concerns over the worsening condition of the routes following the reported abandonment of construction works.
Road users who spoke with The PUNCH on Thursday said the departure of contractors had left major sections of the highways in poor condition, exposing motorists to frequent vehicle breakdowns, kidnapping threats and severe dust pollution.
They described the situation as a “double jeopardy”, saying travellers were forced to contend with both the cost of repairing damaged vehicles and the growing insecurity along the corridor.
A commercial driver, Chisom Njoku, said the ongoing dualisation project had worsened the situation rather than provide relief to motorists.
According to him, the road had previously been in poor condition, but construction activities and the subsequent withdrawal of contractors had left it more difficult and dangerous to navigate.
“The road has become so lonely and almost impassable. Kidnappers are now having a field day with the few drivers and trucks plying the road,” Njoku said.
He appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts to complete the project, noting that motorists were suffering vehicle damage while also facing the risk of attacks.
Residents along the corridor also complained about the environmental and health consequences of the abandoned earthworks.
A petty trader, Beatrice Ugwu, whose shop is located around Ogede Junction, said heavy dust generated by passing trucks had affected her business and the health of her family.
“Living along this road has become a health hazard. Ever since the contractors excavated the topsoil and left without laying asphalt, thick clouds of dust cover everywhere whenever heavy trucks pass,” she said.
Ugwu added that her merchandise was regularly covered in dust, while she and her children had experienced persistent coughing and catarrh.
Residents in Eha-Amufu also lamented the economic impact of the deteriorating road.
Emmanuel Odo said farmers were finding it increasingly difficult to transport their produce to markets in Obollo-Afor and neighbouring states.
“Perishable crops rot on the way because drivers charge double to risk their vehicles on these gullies,” Odo said.
He added that the abandoned construction works had created serious difficulties for residents, with the road becoming dusty during the dry season and muddy and impassable whenever it rains.
A roadside mechanic near the Okpatu axis, Sunday Ezema, said the poor road had increased the number of vehicles requiring repairs but had also reduced economic activity because of insecurity.
“By 4:00 pm, the highway is completely deserted because everyone fears kidnappers hiding in the abandoned construction diversions,” he said.
Ezema urged the Minister of Works to direct the contractors to return to the site and complete the project before the corridor becomes completely cut off.
The affected residents and commuters are calling for urgent government intervention to address the security situation, control the environmental impact and ensure the speedy completion of the federal highway project.
