Ex-Senator Tofowomo Decries Deplorable Ondo Roads, Labels Them “Death Traps”
Former senator representing Ondo South, Nicholas Tofowomo, has raised fresh alarm over the state of federal roads across Ondo State, describing them as “death traps” that continue to claim lives and cripple economic activity.
Tofowomo, who served in the 9th Senate between 2019 and 2023 and was vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Land Transport, lamented what he called the “pitiable” condition of major routes linking towns and communities in the state. He singled out the Okitipupa–Ore highway as one of the worst-hit corridors, warning that unless urgent repairs were undertaken, accidents and fatalities would persist.
Speaking against the backdrop of repeated complaints from motorists and commuters, the former lawmaker urged the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to rise to its responsibility by carrying out immediate rehabilitation works.
He argued that the neglect of Ondo roads has gone on for too long, creating serious safety risks for residents as well as hampering trade and movement in a state regarded as a critical link between the South-West and other regions of Nigeria.
Tofowomo’s remarks mirror the frustrations of residents, who in recent weeks have staged protests over failed road projects. In Akoko North East, youths and community members blocked the Ikare–Arigidi federal highway, demanding urgent attention to a 2.5-kilometre stretch that has become virtually impassable and the scene of frequent accidents.
They accused both federal and state governments of abandoning the area to hardship despite repeated promises of intervention.
The former senator warned that the situation was deteriorating into a humanitarian and economic crisis, noting that farmers can no longer transport produce to markets with ease, while transport operators are forced to hike fares due to vehicle damage and time lost on bad roads.
With mounting calls for intervention from both political leaders and ordinary residents, attention now turns to FERMA and the Federal Ministry of Works to provide a lasting solution. Until then, Ondo’s road users continue to navigate routes that many believe should long ago have been fixed, but which today stand as dangerous reminders of Nigeria’s wider infrastructure deficit.
