Vehicle movement halted as Delta road collapses

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By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ASABA — Vehicle movement to and from Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State has been disrupted following the collapse of the Illah-Ugbolu Road.

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Several vehicles, including cement-laden Dangote trucks, were stranded on the road on Tuesday, with some reportedly stuck while attempting to navigate the failed portions, causing a major blockage that left commuters stranded.

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A resident, Molokwu Azuka, who drew the attention of the Delta State Government to the situation, said the road had deteriorated beyond ordinary repairs.

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“Illah-Ugbolu Road is no longer just in a bad condition. It has completely failed.

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“As of today, the road has been cut off, leaving commuters stranded and making it practically impossible to travel in or out of Illah through the Ugbolu axis,” he said.

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Azuka described the situation as more than an infrastructure challenge, saying it had become a humanitarian and economic concern for residents of the area.

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“This is more than a road problem. It is a humanitarian and economic crisis. Our farmers cannot move their produce. Traders are counting losses.

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“Students, civil servants, patients and emergency responders are all affected. Every passing day deepens the hardship faced by the people of Illah and neighbouring communities,” he added.

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He appealed to the state government and relevant authorities to declare the road an emergency project and urgently commence rehabilitation work.

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“How long must our people continue to suffer before this road receives the urgent attention it deserves?

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“This is a passionate appeal to the Delta State Government and all relevant authorities: declare the Illah-Ugbolu Road an emergency project. The people have waited long enough,” he said.

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Azuka, a public affairs commentator, added that communities should not be cut off due to failed infrastructure.

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“A community should never be isolated because of a failed road. Illah is not asking for luxury; we are asking for access, safety and the basic infrastructure every community deserves,” he said.

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