By : Ike Philip Abiagom
EBU, DELTA STATE – Residents of Ebu Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have raised fresh concerns over what they describe as the complete isolation of their community following the deterioration of the only accessible federal road linking the area to neighboring towns and major commercial centers.
According to Newsbreeze, the deplorable condition of the road has worsened significantly yesterday, with heavy-duty trailers and lorries causing extensive damage to the already dilapidated route. As of this morning, the road has reportedly become virtually impassable, leaving residents stranded and making transportation of goods and people extremely difficult.
Ebu, widely recognized as one of Delta State’s major agrarian communities and a significant contributor to the state’s food production, is now facing severe transportation challenges that threaten both economic activities and the livelihoods of farmers.
Residents lamented that the community has been left with no viable access road, noting that the alternative Ebu–Ezi-Ukala Road, which falls under the state road network, has remained in a deplorable condition for decades and is no longer motorable.
The worsening situation has sparked frustration among community leaders and residents, who are questioning why Ebu Community has continued to suffer years of neglect despite its contributions to the agricultural development of Delta State.
“What has Ebu Community done to deserve this level of hardship?” a concerned resident asked. “We are known as one of the food-producing communities in Delta State, yet our roads have been abandoned for years. Today, our community is completely trapped.”
The collapse of the road network has also raised fears over access to healthcare, education, security services, and the movement of agricultural produce to markets across the state.
Community stakeholders have therefore made an urgent appeal to both the Federal Government and the Delta State Government to intervene immediately before the situation deteriorates further.
They called on Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori and relevant federal authorities to prioritize the rehabilitation of the federal road and commence reconstruction of the long-abandoned Ebu–Ezi-Ukala Road to reconnect the community with the rest of the state.
Residents warned that continued neglect of the road infrastructure could have devastating economic and social consequences, not only for Ebu Community but also for the wider agricultural supply chain that depends on the area’s farm produce.
As the cries for help grow louder, the people of Ebu say they can no longer wait, urging government at all levels to act swiftly and rescue the community from what they describe as an unfolding humanitarian and economic crisis.