Edo State residents have called for the urgent reconstruction of major federal roads in the state, stating that their poor condition is contributing to insecurity and exposing travelers to kidnapping and armed robbery attacks. The residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that deteriorated road sections often force motorists to slow down, causing prolonged traffic congestion for travelers entering and passing through Edo. This, they explained, frequently leaves commuters vulnerable to criminals operating along isolated stretches of the roads. These concerns come amid a surge in kidnapping and banditry across the country.
Residents Highlight Security Risks
Monday Igbinovia, a commercial bus driver on the Benin-Auchi route, said that although the road has improved compared to previous years, several failed portions still compel drivers to reduce speed significantly. According to him, such locations can become criminal flashpoints, particularly during periods of low traffic or at night. “The road is better than before, but there are still portions where vehicles have to slow down because of potholes and failed sections. Anytime vehicles are forced to crawl, passengers naturally become worried about security,” he said.
For Musa Abdullahi, a trailer driver transporting goods between northern and southern Nigeria, the Benin-Auchi Highway remains one of the country’s most strategic economic corridors. He noted that the high volume of trucks using the route often worsens road deterioration, creating bottlenecks that can expose motorists to criminal activities. “The longer the articulated vehicles stay on the road because of bad sections, the greater the security concerns for drivers and passengers,” he said.
Concerns Over Key Corridors
Security concerns have heightened regarding sections of the Benin-Auchi-Okene, Benin-Ore, and Benin-Agbor corridors, where road users have repeatedly raised alarms over criminal activities. A motorist, Odiion Sufianu, recalled previous protests by youths in Auchi over insecurity and gully erosion around the Jattu axis. “When roads become difficult to navigate, travelers are forced into vulnerable situations. Poor roads can reinforce insecurity,” he said.
Several transport operators, including Victor Yusuf and Joe Adaba, called for comprehensive reconstruction of the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi Highway rather than recurring palliative interventions. According to them, a fully reconstructed highway would not only improve mobility but also reduce security vulnerabilities associated with long traffic queues and slow-moving vehicles. Passengers also expressed similar concerns. Grace Okojie, a frequent commuter, said delays caused by damaged sections often extend travel time and leave passengers anxious, especially when journeys stretch into late evening.
Economic and Security Implications
Road transport stakeholders argued that the condition of highways has become both an economic and security issue. Apart from increasing vehicle maintenance costs and transport fares, they said prolonged travel times create opportunities for criminals to exploit stranded or slow-moving motorists. While concerns persist along parts of the Benin-Auchi corridor, road users acknowledged significant improvements on the Benin-Sapele-Warri Highway following ongoing reconstruction works.
Positive Developments on Some Roads
A visit by NAN showed that previously impassable sections around Limit Road, Agip, PZ, and Adesuwa junctions have been repaired and reopened to traffic. Motorists said the development has substantially reduced travel time and eased traffic congestion that previously left commuters stranded for hours. At Ologbo, the boundary community between Edo and Delta states, heavy-duty truck operators reported improved traffic flow after years of gridlock. A commercial driver, Bashiru Danjuma, said the reconstruction has not only revived transport businesses but also reduced the vulnerability associated with long queues. “The bad road reduced the number of trips we could make daily. Traffic congestion also created security concerns because people can remain trapped on the road for hours. The improvement has brought relief,” he said.
A food vendor, Osariemen Osariodion, recalled how a journey that ordinarily should last about an hour sometimes stretched to five hours due to road failure. Similarly, a farmer, Ebu Oriosaye, said she frequently lost perishable agricultural produce because of prolonged road journeys. Community leaders, including Erahor Omoruyi and Vincent Iyoha, said completing the road project would further strengthen economic activities while improving safety for commuters. The Chairman of the Sapele Road Bypass Axis Group, Daniel Omoregbe, said the situation has improved significantly since construction commenced.
Ongoing Efforts and Calls for Accelerated Action
Motorists on the Benin-Ore Highway also acknowledged improvements on some stretches but called for accelerated rehabilitation of the remaining failed sections. A luxury bus driver, Adewale Akinyemi, said ongoing construction activities have improved parts of the route but pointed out that some failed sections continue to slow vehicular movement. For commuters, safety remains a major concern. Peter Ekhator observed that motorists often make sudden maneuvers to avoid potholes, increasing the risk of accidents and potentially creating dangerous situations for other road users. Osaro Igbinedion of the National Union of Road Transport Workers described the highways as critical national economic lifelines. According to him, sustained maintenance and prompt rehabilitation will not only reduce accidents and transportation costs but also contribute to safer travel conditions.
FERMA Responds
Responding to concerns, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) said interventions are ongoing on several federal roads in Edo. The Federal Road Maintenance Engineer in Edo, Emeter Olisa, said FERMA is undertaking direct labor maintenance works along the Oluku Bypass in Benin City. According to him, the works include extensive desilting of drainage channels, shoulder reconstruction, asphalt laying, and carriageway repairs around bridge sections. Mr. Olisa also disclosed that a Sukuk-funded project is ongoing along the Auchi-Benin corridor, while contractors engaged by the Federal Ministry of Works are carrying out concrete pavement construction on sections of the Benin-Sapele Road. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and ensuring safer travel for road users. Security experts and transport stakeholders have argued that good road infrastructure remains a critical component of public safety.
