Residents of Onicha-Ugbo in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State have raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Onicha-Ugbo–Issele-Uku road, calling on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Aniocha North Local Government Chairman, and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for urgent intervention.
The vital road, which serves as the main access route into the agrarian Onicha-Ugbo community, has been in a state of disrepair for over two years—especially at a failed portion opposite Gbonoza Primary School—leaving the area nearly cut off from neighboring towns.
Once a bustling route supporting the transport of schoolchildren, farmers, and traders, the road has now become nearly impassable, disrupting daily life and economic activity in the area.
Local sources lamented that despite early signs of deterioration, no proactive steps were taken by local authorities to address the situation, allowing the road to further collapse.
Speaking to *The Guardian*, a resident, Ohai Emmanuel Chukwunweike, described the road as a lifeline for the community.
“The road in question is the major connecting stretch between Onicha-Ugbo and Issele-Uku. As it is, our parents may find it difficult to go to their farms and the Issele-Uku market. We are calling on the NDDC, the Delta State government, and all stakeholders to urgently reconstruct the road with a proper drainage system. Let our people feel the dividend of democracy,” he said.
Francis Osedume, a grassroots politician and community member, expressed concern over the impact of the road’s condition on education and agriculture.
“It is disheartening that both students and local farmers cannot access their schools and farms due to the unfortunate nature of this road.”
Another resident, Joyce Iwelumo, made an emotional appeal to political leaders: “I’m pleading that our political representatives and the government of our dear state should come to our aid and fix the road connecting Onicha-Ugbo and Issele-Uku.”
Sunday Adikwanfu described the situation as an “eyesore” and warned that continued neglect could completely isolate the community.
“This road has been like this for the past few years,” said another local, “but I believe we can handle the problem ourselves, even if the government doesn’t want to look into it. It’s our own, we can’t leave it like this.”
Osemene Victor, recalling his school days, said: “Since my secondary school days in St. Stephen’s Mixed Secondary School, this road has been like this—and up till now, it is still the same.”
As the rainy season intensifies, residents fear further deterioration and are calling for immediate government intervention. Their appeal is directed at Governor Oborevwori, NDDC Chairman Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and other relevant authorities, in the hope that urgent attention will be given to the failing infrastructure that is threatening the livelihood and mobility of the community.