Hundreds of women from the Ntsuruakpa Izhia community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State took to the streets on Tuesday to protest the abandoned rehabilitation work on the Abakaliki-Enugu expressway, which they say has led to frequent accidents and loss of lives.
The protesters, numbering over 900, gathered in the early hours of the day and blocked the dual carriageway at the Ezzamgbo Flyover, expressing frustration over the slow pace of the road project, which has remained unfinished since last year.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Mrs. Blessing Okweshi decried the dangers posed by the uncompleted road, noting that several accidents have occurred due to its poor condition.
“The worst of these accidents happened last Sunday when a pregnant woman and her unborn child, along with a man, lost their lives instantly,” she lamented.
“Many lives have been lost on this highway, and you can see how potholes and heaps of sand litter the road without proper signage since 2024.”
The traditional ruler of Ntsuruakpa Izhia community, HRH Eze Joseph Ozogbuo Okafor, also criticized the contractor handling the project, urging immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
In response to the protest, the Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Prince Ikechukwu Odono, arrived at the scene and pleaded with the women to remain calm, assuring them that the contractor would be compelled to complete the project without further delay.