Youths, including students in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Saturday, took to the streets to protest the poor condition of the Ogbomoso Road, lamenting the tragic loss of lives caused by frequent accidents.
The demonstrators condemned the deaths resulting from the road’s dilapidated state, labelling the losses as a product of negligence, which they described as ‘murder.’
The students, under the National Association of University Students and Ogbomoso Indigenous Associations, issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal and Oyo State governments to address their grievances.
The youths warned that failure to meet their demands would lead to mass demonstrations and economic shutdowns.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters at the Saki Roundabout in Ogbomoso, the Vice President of NAUS, Comrade Tiamiyu Olayinka, stated that the preventable deaths “are not accidents but murders.”
“As we all gather here today, this is a stark reminder of the dilapidated state that stings our daily lives. Over the years, the Ogbomoso Road has been a critical route for commuters travelling between the North and Southwest. Due to its strategic location, this road is one of the busiest in the nation.
“Despite this glaring reality, many lives have been lost due to the authorities’ negligence in repairing the road. The lives lost on this road are not accidents; they are murders. The office of the Vice President, NAUS Southwest, will no longer remain silent in the face of these despicable actions and the deliberate genocide by the Federal Government.”
Olayinka explained that “This road has been a lifeline for commuters while the alternative project, initiated years ago, remains incomplete. The final 5-kilometre stretch is yet to be finished, posing severe risks to commuters and residents alike.”
He further noted that the road remains the only viable route to the South from the North, but because of its poor condition, motorists are forced to take an alternative route through the heart of Ogbomoso town.
“Residents have grown weary of empty promises, watching as their town’s potential withers away. This neglect has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only residents but also businesses and the local economy.
“Ogbomoso hosts one of the largest universities of technology in the country (LAUTECH), and our students are endangered daily. They leave home early in the morning without the certainty of returning safely due to the negligence of some individuals. This is utterly disgusting and unacceptable,” he lamented.
Ogbomoso’s strategic position as a connecting point between the major roads linking the Southwest to the Northern corridor makes it a vital economic hub. However, poor infrastructure hinders trade and commerce, causing economic hardship for residents.
“We demand immediate action from the Federal Ministry of Works and relevant authorities. Complete the Ibadan-Ogbomoso Road project, repair and maintain the existing roads, and provide relief to affected businesses and residents.
“We are issuing a 30-day ultimatum to the government to address these concerns. Failure to do so will lead to mass protests, economic shutdowns, and escalation to national and international platforms. We will not rest until our demands are met,” he said.
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