Some communities in Cross River State are up in arms over the deplorable state of federal roads, particularly the Ikom-Obudu highway, which they said has been neglected for over 40 years.
The residents demanded urgent government intervention to recontruct the road, which has allegedly claimed several lives and disrupted economic activities.
Speaking on Tuesday, a youth leader in the Boki Local Government Area, Dr Martins Assam Abo disclosed that the protesters comprised of residents from five LGA’s which are; Ikom, Etung, Boki, Obanliku and Obudu, adding that they will return for a total blockage of the road if the government does not mobilise contractor to site within one week.
He said, ‘The road, which links Obudu and Obanliku to Ikom, Boki and Etung, serves as a major access route to the Obudu Mountain Resort and facilitates trade among communities’.
He noted that the road has remained in severe disrepair for years, affecting the local economy and delaying movement. He described the ‘road as a death trap’ and urged immediate federal intervention.
‘This road is now a death trap. Yesterday, a pregnant woman died on the road due to its bad condition. Yet, government are not doing anything about it. 2027 general elections is coming, for us, no road; no election’, he said.
The priest in charge of St Nicholas Parish Bashua in the Boki LGA, Rev Fr Francis Amaozo appealed to the federal government to quickly address the poor state of the road, adding that it affects economic development of the area.
Another protester from Etung who spoke on condition of anonymity said, ‘No market in Bendeghe community today. We have shut down the market. This is part of the protest for government to intervene; Enough is enough’.
Reacting, the member representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency, Victor Abang, revealed that the Federal Government has concluded plans to intervene in the 115km Ikom-Obudu Federal Highway.
Abang, who stated that the road has been captured in the 2026 budget, advised protesting youths to desist from blocking the road.
He added that the state Governor, Bassey Out, alongside national assembly members have made representation to the Federal Government.
‘I want to advice youths to desist from blocking the road. Our Governor, Prince Bassey Otu and National Assembly members have made efforts and adequate provision has been made for the road in the 2026 budget’, he said.
