Commuters traveling along the Umuahia-Bende-Ohafia federal highway have expressed deep concerns over deteriorating sections of the road, urging both federal and state authorities to take immediate action.
During an interview with LEADERSHIP yesterday at one of the most damaged stretches in Ozu Abam, located within Arochukwu local government area, users emphasized the critical need for prompt repairs.
One motorist, Paddy Mba, recounted how his car became immobilized for several hours last weekend following a prolonged heavy rainfall.
Similarly, another driver, Kalu Omeaku, who frequently navigates the Ohafia-Bende-Umuahia-Aba corridor, shared a comparable ordeal and voiced strong dissatisfaction with the current road conditions.
“Nearly three weeks ago, the poor state of the road compelled many of us to detour via the Ohafia-Abiriba-Uzuakoli-Umuahia route, which adds more than 20 kilometers to our journey,” Omeaku explained.
Adding to the chorus, Chibunna Ndukwe, a commercial cyclist operating between Ohafia and Abam communities, stressed the “urgent necessity to rehabilitate these critical sections.”
A local community leader and palm fruit farmer in the vicinity also expressed grave concerns, warning that the worsening road could eventually isolate the area.
Alice Ogbu, a middle-aged farmer residing nearby, highlighted that the difficulties extend beyond vehicles and motorcycles.
“Pedestrians must exercise extreme caution when traversing the slippery patches, especially when balancing loads on their heads, which is a common practice here,” she noted.
