Residents of the Idomila community in the Ijebu North East Local Government area of Ogun State, on Saturday trooped out to protest the deplorable condition of the road leading to the community.
The residents said the bad condition of the road has caused hardship to them, including avoidable accidents and loss of life.
The protesters displayed placards with various messages such as “Bike man, motorists now avoid this road, “Gov. Dapo Abiodun, we appeal to you to fix Idomila road,” and ” We believe in you, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Fix Idomila road for us, it’s a death trap”, among others.
Speaking with newsmen during the protest, the Chairman of the Idomila Elders Council, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, said the community which is comprised of major farmers has had serious challenges conveying their farm’s produce to the markets.
He added that the residents of the community have so far been under siege by erosion, which according to him may further sink the community if no help comes their way on time to fix the road.
He said, “We want the governor to assist in repairing this road for us. Let them check their records, in Idomila we voted wholeheartedly for the emergence of the governor.
“We have 938 houses in the Idomila community, we have about a million people in this community.
“This road is a major road connecting the Army Barracks at Ilese. Infact, we lost one of our elderly people due to this bad road.
“We are really in pain and with the coming of the rainy season, the road has worsened. We are only begging Gov Dapo Abiodun to come to our rescue.”
Also speaking, Mrs. Dahunsi Oderinde, a community member appealed to the state governor, Abiodun, to intervene and repair the road.
She noted that the community had voted overwhelmingly for the governor’s emergence and had high hopes that he would address their long-standing request.
Oderinde said, “The road, which connected the community to the Army Barracks at Ilese, has become a death trap, with a deep pit, potholes and have claimed at least one life in the community while others are being hospitalized.
” We as a community have attempted several palliatives to fill the potholes with bags and broken blocks, spending millions of naira in the process. However, the road remains in a terrible state, hindering access to the market, schools, and other essential amenities.
“We urge Gov Abiodun to please wipe away tears by fixing this road.”
The residents emphasized that the repair of the road will no doubt enhance their well-being and safety and boost the economic activities in the community.
