By: Ike Philip Abiagom
Residents of Ebu Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have again raised concerns over what they describe as decades of neglect, lamenting the deplorable condition of roads linking the agrarian community to neighbouring towns and economic centres.
The community, known for its rich agricultural activities and contributions to food production in Delta State, is currently facing severe transportation challenges as both the federal and state roads serving the area have reportedly become impassable.
Community leaders and residents said the situation has left Ebu virtually isolated, making it difficult for farmers, traders, students, and other road users to access neighbouring communities such as Ezi, Ukala, and Issele-Uku.
According to residents, the major economic road linking Ebu to surrounding towns was constructed more than three decades ago during the administration of former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.
However, they lamented that the road has deteriorated over the years and has now collapsed in several sections, making movement increasingly difficult.
The worsening condition of the road, they said, has negatively affected economic activities in the area, particularly agriculture, which remains the primary occupation of many residents.
Speaking on the development, concerned residents questioned why the community has continued to suffer neglect despite repeated appeals to relevant authorities.
For many years, we have cried out over the condition of our roads, yet little or nothing has been done. Today, Ebu is practically cut off from neighbouring communities because both the federal and state roads are no longer motorable,” a resident said.
The people noted that the poor road network has increased transportation costs, limited access to markets, and created hardships for residents who depend on the roads for their daily activities.
Many residents also expressed concern over the lack of other basic social amenities, arguing that the community has remained on the margins of development despite being part of one of Nigeria’s leading oil-producing states.
Observers say the plight of Ebu Community highlights the broader challenge of rural infrastructure development in many parts of Delta State, where communities continue to struggle with poor road networks and inadequate public facilities.
Residents are therefore appealing to both the Federal Government and the Delta State Government to urgently intervene by reconstructing the failed road corridors and providing other critical infrastructure needed to improve the quality of life in the community.
As the cries for intervention grow louder, many residents hope that government authorities will respond swiftly to what they describe as a long-standing humanitarian and economic challenge confronting one of Delta State’s important agricultural communities.
For now, however, Ebu residents say they remain trapped by a road crisis that has persisted for decades, waiting for the day when meaningful intervention will finally bring relief to the community.
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