By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Igbo Community Association (ICA), Federal Capital Territory chapter, has raised the alarm over the deplorable condition of major federal roads linking the South-East to other parts of Nigeria, warning that the situation could worsen as millions of travellers prepare for the Yuletide season.

The association urged the Federal Government and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, to give urgent attention to critical access roads into the South-East, describing several of the routes as death traps that have subjected motorists and commuters to severe hardship.

In a statement signed by its President-General, Engr. (Nze) Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, and Secretary-General, Mazi Chinwoke Emmanuel Onah, the ICA FCT said the poor state of the roads had resulted In prolonged gridlock, vehicle damage, loss of lives and increased security risks.

The association said key arterial routes connecting the South-East with the South-West, North-Central and South-South had deteriorated over successive administrations.

“For successive administrations, key arterial routes linking the South-East to the South-West, North-Central, and South-South regions have deteriorated into death traps. Motorists and commuters continue to endure severe gridlock, destruction of vehicles, loss of lives, and heightened security risks,” the group said.

ICA FCT particularly drew attention to the Benin-Agbor-Asaba corridor, describing it as a major gateway linking the South-West and the South-East.

It noted that public concerns and growing outrage over the condition of the road had recently prompted Umahi to inspect the corridor and apologise to stranded motorists over the hardship caused by failed sections.

While acknowledging the minister’s intervention, the association said the development exposed what it described as a broader pattern of neglect of strategic roads leading into the South-East until the situation became critical.

“While we acknowledge the Minister’s recent intervention, this situation underscores a broader, systemic issue: critical transit routes leading into the South-East are routinely neglected until they reach catastrophic levels,” ICA FCT said.

The association warned that urgent rehabilitation had become more important with the Yuletide season approaching, traditionally a period of heavy movement of people travelling to different parts of the country, particularly the South-East.

It said Improving the roads would not only reduce avoidable accidents but also help address security concerns associated with travellers spending long hours stranded on isolated highways.

“As the Yuletide season approaches—a period characterised by high-volume travel across the country—it is imperative that the Federal Ministry of Works prioritises immediate rehabilitation of these federal corridors. Restoring these roads is essential not only to prevent avoidable road casualties but also to mitigate security vulnerabilities facing travellers,” the association said.

ICA FCT also called on the Federal Government to ensure fairness and equity in the distribution of national infrastructure projects, insisting that the South-East should not be treated differently in the provision of critical federal infrastructure.

Speaking on behalf of Igbo residents in the Federal Capital Territory, the association said South-Easterners remained equal stakeholders in Nigeria and deserved safe and functional roads connecting the region with the rest of the country.

“South-Easterners are equal stakeholders in the Nigerian project and deserve safe, accessible, and functional federal road networks,” the group said.

ICA FCT said it would continue to advocate infrastructure development and policies that protect the dignity and interests of Igbo-speaking people while promoting projects that benefit Nigerians across all regions.

The association urged the Federal Government and the Ministry of Works to act before the Yuletide travel rush places further pressure on already deteriorating highways leading into the South-East.