Collapsed Calabar-Itu Highway a National Embarrassment – Group

• The Cross River South Consultative Forum has condemned the failed state of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene highway, calling it a “death trap”
• The forum urged the Federal Government to prioritize the road’s rehabilitation and held contractors Julius Berger and Sematech accountable for delays

The deteriorating state of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene federal highway has sparked outrage from the Cross River South Consultative Forum, which has labelled the abandoned road a “national embarrassment.”

The group’s leader, Barr, spoke at a press conference in Calabar on Friday. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, condemned the failed state of the road, describing it as a “death trap” that connects Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

Flanked by 14 other members—two from each of the seven local government areas of Cross River South—Ekpo expressed frustration over the rising accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by the road’s condition.

“Despite the worsening crisis, both the Federal Government and the contractors show no urgency in fixing the road,” he said.

He highlighted the severe economic impact, stating that transportation difficulties have increased the cost of goods and services. However, he stressed that the human toll is even more devastating.

“Pregnant women, the sick, and accident victims face unimaginable hardships while trying to reach hospitals. Criminals are also exploiting the road’s poor condition to rob and kidnap stranded travelers,” he added.

With the rainy season making matters worse, Ekpo noted that entire road sections have become impassable, leaving commuters stuck for hours and transporters struggling with frequent vehicle breakdowns and rising costs.

The forum called on the Federal Government to immediately prioritize and fully rehabilitate the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene highway. They also urged Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to fulfill his promise of setting up a tripartite committee to monitor progress and ensure accountability.

While commending Governor Bassey Otu for settling all outstanding compensation claims and securing a permit from the National Inland Waterways Authority to facilitate bridge construction, the group held contractors Julius Berger and Sematech accountable for the ongoing delays.

“It is time for these contractors to take full responsibility and speed up the completion of this critical project,” the group stated.