The Federal Government has commenced emergency intervention on the failed Ifaki-Oye-Ilupeju-Kabba highway in Ekiti State after the collapse of a section of the federal road left hundreds of motorists and articulated vehicles stranded for days.
The development follows growing concerns over the worsening condition of the highway, particularly around Ilupeju-Ekiti, where a damaged section has caused severe gridlock and disrupted the movement of people and goods along the corridor linking Ekiti and Kogi states.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to undertake immediate remedial works on the affected sections, while the Ministry of Works processes comprehensive rehabilitation of the entire road.
The Federal Controller of Works in Ekiti State, Wasiu Owolabi, said the FERMA intervention would provide temporary relief while the Federal Government works towards a permanent solution.
“FERMA would do something on it. The headquarters is working on comprehensive work on the road. We are processing complete rehabilitation of the road,” Owolabi said.
The intervention followed reports of hundreds of trucks and other articulated vehicles being trapped along the Ifaki-Oye-Ilupeju-Kabba axis. Some drivers told reporters they had spent about 48 hours or more in the gridlock, with several vehicles becoming stuck in mud.
The prolonged traffic congestion has disrupted the movement of commercial goods and agricultural produce and raised concerns over the safety of motorists and residents.
The presence of fuel tankers among the stranded vehicles has further heightened safety concerns, with residents and road users worried that an accident or fire outbreak could have serious consequences.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has meanwhile advised motorists to use alternative routes to avoid the affected section.
According to the Ekiti State Sector Commander, Sanya Adeoye, motorists travelling from Kabba towards Oye-Ifaki should use alternative routes ahead of Oye town. Drivers travelling from Abuja towards Ibadan and Lagos were advised to use the Okene route to avoid the affected Kabba-Oye axis.
The Kabba-Ikare-Owo-Akure road was also recommended as an alternative route for other road users.
The Federal Government’s latest action came after the Works Ministry dispatched senior officials to assess the extent of the damage and determine the immediate measures required to restore movement.
Umahi had apologised to commuters affected by the situation and assured road users that the government was committed to addressing the problem.
The minister said the intervention would not be limited to temporary measures, with the government also pursuing a broader rehabilitation programme for the strategic highway.
The Oye-Ekiti-Ilupeju-Kabba corridor is an important transport link between communities in Ekiti and Kogi states and serves commercial traffic moving goods between the states and other parts of the country.
Until the emergency works are completed and normal traffic flow restored, the FRSC has urged motorists to plan their journeys carefully, obey traffic officials and exercise caution around the affected sections.
