By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfi, Dr. Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu, has stormed the Federal Ministry of Works in Lokoja to demand urgent intervention on the deteriorating Lokoja-Abuja Federal Highway, warning that the condition of some sections could result in increased traffic congestion, accidents and fatalities during the Ember months.
The traditional ruler made the appeal on Tuesday during a visit to the Ministry, where he highlighted the challenges confronting residents and motorists who use the busy corridor.
Dr. Salihu said the visit followed a resolution of the Koton-Karfi Traditional Council, which mandated him to personally present the concerns of the people to the Ministry and seek immediate intervention on critical sections of the road between Abaji and Lokoja.
He specifically identified the sections between Chikara and Abaji, Aseni and Omoko, Idu Bridge, Gegu Egba and Ahoko, Manyare and Gegu-Beki Gaba, Okpana and Ozi Community, as well as the diversion in Koton-Karfi, as areas requiring urgent attention.
The monarch also called for intervention at the first and second bridges and Iziho Community, noting that the identified locations had become significant sources of concern for motorists and residents.
While acknowledging that the completion of the Abuja-Lokoja highway remains a priority for residents and road users, the Ohimegye Igu said immediate repairs and remedial works on the affected sections would help ease traffic congestion, reduce accidents and provide relief to commuters.
“Every day, we live in fear of mishaps that could lead to calamity. This is why the Traditional Council asked me to personally visit and express our concerns over the condition of the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Road,” he said.
He lamented that traffic gridlock on the highway often leaves motorists and residents stranded for several hours, resulting in the loss of man-hours and, in some cases, fatalities.
“I urge you to take responsibility as we enter the Ember months. Our people and motorists using the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway have suffered untold hardship,” the monarch said.
Responding, the Kogi State Acting Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Owoniya Bankole, acknowledged the concerns raised by the traditional ruler and described the Koton-Karfi-Abaji section as a major hotspot.
He, however, expressed optimism that measures had already been initiated to alleviate the difficulties faced by communities and motorists along the corridor.
Engr. Bankole explained that some of the current delays were linked to the Federal Government’s decision to change the road construction method from asphalt to concrete.
According to him, although concrete construction requires more time, it offers greater durability, a longer service life and lower maintenance requirements.
He assured the monarch and residents that priority attention would be given to the problematic sections identified during the visit.
The Acting Controller of Works said the Federal Ministry of Works accepted responsibility for the challenges faced by road users and apologised to residents and motorists for the hardship caused by the ongoing construction.
He assured them that efforts would be intensified to reduce the difficulties and improve safety along the highway.
He further disclosed that the Ministry would collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps and other relevant security agencies to address the factors contributing to gridlock on the Abuja-Lokoja highway as a matter of urgency.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a letter addressed to the Minister of Works by the Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfi to the Acting Federal Controller of Works. The letter formally conveyed the concerns and requests of the traditional council.
