Ondo residents protest deplorable road, rising transport cost

…Say businesses are suffering

Residents of Iku Quarters, Ikare-Akoko in Akoko North East Local Government of Ondo State have protested over the deplorable condition of Awara Water Work/Ikare-Akoko Stadium road in the community.

According to them, “businesses are suffering, transportation costs have increased, emergency vehicles find it difficult to reach residents, and the fear of accidents grows every day.”

BusinessDay reports that the protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Awara/Ikare-Akoko Stadium Road have Become a Death Trap, We need Urgent Government intervention”; “Mr Governor, We Are Dying Our People Cannot Longer Go To Farm Due To Bad Road”; “We say No To Bad Road Network in Iku Community” among others.

The agrarian community during the protest on Sunday, however, described the road as “being in a deplorable condition”.

Mukaila Bello, Oniku of Iku, who spoke on behalf of the community, described the peaceful protest as a “collective cry for help” from those entrusted with leadership and public service in the North Senatorial District and state at large.

Bello explained that the terrible state of the road had become a nightmare for farmers, motorists and residents plying the roads on a daily basis.

According to him, the deplorable state of the community roads has become a source of pain, hardship, and danger to residents.
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‎”For years, our roads have been neglected. Deep potholes, severe erosion, and impassable sections have turned what should be accessible roads into death traps.

“Every rainfall worsens the situation every year, and access to homes and businesses has become a daily struggle for the residents of the community.

‎”We passionately appeal to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Chairman of Akoko North East Local Government, our Ministers, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, Hon. Ife Ehindero, our traditional rulers, political leaders, and all stakeholders to urgently come to the aid of Iku Quarters,” he said.

Also speaking, Adiamo Usman, President, Iku Elite, said that the government intervention would serve as a matter of safety, economic survival, and the well-being of the community and its environs.

Usman, who called on the state government for immediate attention before lives were lost and properties destroyed on the road, said that a good road was not a privilege, but a basic necessity for the people.
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‎”The residents of Iku Quarters are not asking for luxury; we are asking for safe and motorable roads that will allow us to live, work, and raise our families with dignity. We believe that responsive leadership is measured by its willingness to listen to the cries of the people.
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‎”We remain hopeful that our leaders will hear our cry and act without delay. Let this appeal not be ignored. The time to act is now, and our people deserve better,” Usman said.