₦200m Oshiomhole-Facilitated Road Project Abandoned, 20 Edo Communities Stranded

A constituency road project worth over ₦200 million, facilitated by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has been abandoned midway, cutting off more than 20 communities across Owan East and Owan West Local Government Areas of Edo State.

The project, which was intended to link vital rural settlements to markets, schools, and healthcare centres, now lies in disrepair, with partially graded paths overtaken by weeds and erosion.

Residents, who once celebrated the project’s launch as a long-awaited lifeline, now lament the hardship brought upon them due to its abandonment.

Commercial activities have stalled, students face dangerous treks to reach distant schools, and access to emergency medical care has become a nightmare for pregnant women and the elderly.

Community leaders in towns such as Uzebba, Ivbiadaobi, and Sobe expressed frustration during a press briefing on Monday, accusing contractors of fleeing the site months ago without explanation.

“We are not asking for too much just the road that was promised to us,” said Chief Igbinovia Ehigie of Owan West. “Senator Oshiomhole came here, assured us that the road would boost our economy. Now look at it—abandoned halfway.”

Investigations revealed that the contract was awarded under the federal constituency project initiative and was to be supervised by a federal agency, but attempts to reach the implementing contractor and supervising officials have so far yielded no response.

Senator Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the stalled project.

Meanwhile, affected communities are calling on the federal government and anti-corruption agencies to probe the situation and ensure the immediate resumption and completion of the project.

Civil society groups in Edo State have also joined the call, demanding transparency and accountability in the use of constituency funds, especially in rural infrastructure development.

“This is not just about a road; it’s about justice, access, and dignity for forgotten communities,” said Faith Obayuwana, spokesperson for the Edo Rural Development Watch.