Our Road is Now A Death Trap! -Residents of Idomila Community Begs Dapo Abiodun to Fix Life-Threatening Road

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

Residents from the Idomila Community in Ijebu North East Local Government Area, Atan, Ogun State, staged a protest against the poor condition of the road leading to over 50 communities, including the Army Barracks in Ijebu Ode. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija reports that the residents described the road as a death trap, attributing numerous fatalities and hospitalizations to its deplorable state, especially during the rainy season.

Addressing the media, the Chairman of the Idomila Elders Council, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, highlighted the tragic loss of lives due to the road's condition. 

Protesters carried placards with messages like “Governor Abidoun, Idomila Road is a death trap, help to save our souls” and “Gov. Abidoun, fix Idomila Road for us, we voted enmass in Idomila, so fulfill your promise.”

Sanni pointed out that the community, which consists of over 3,500 residents and 938 houses, heavily relies on this road for access to the city. 

He said that, the poor state of the road has also affected school attendance, with children arriving late due to difficulties faced by Okada riders during rainy days. 

The protest aimed to urge the Government to address this critical issue and fulfill their promise to the community.

Sanni emphasized that the poor road conditions have severely disrupted the daily lives of residents, particularly affecting students' ability to attend school. 

He noted that the community, which comprises about 938 houses, is threatened by erosion that could potentially devastate the area. 

As gathered by OPEN TELEVISION Naija, Sanni laments, stating that "We urge the Governor to assist in repairing this road. In Idomila, we voted wholeheartedly for the Governor's emergence. This road is crucial as it connects to the Army Barracks at Ilese. We have already lost one of our elderly residents due to these deplorable road conditions," Sanni lamented. 

Another community member, Mrs. Dahunsi Oderinde, echoed these sentiments, appealing to Governor Dapo Abiodun for intervention. 

She highlighted the community's overwhelming support for the Governor and their hopes that he would address this critical issue. 

"The road, which connects to the Army Barracks of Ilese, has become a death trap. Deep pits and potholes have already claimed at least one life in the community, while others have been hospitalized," she added.

Oderinde laments that "We, as a community, have made several attempts to fill the potholes using bags and broken blocks, spending millions of naira in the process. Despite these efforts, the road remains in a deplorable state, hindering access to markets, schools, and other essential amenities."

Stressing that repairing the road is vital for the community's well-being, economic activities, and social life. Meanwhile, it was noted that road construction from the market through 'Dipo Dina Stadium' was halted at the residence of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, leaving the remaining kilometers to Idomila and other adjoining communities impassable.