By Yahaya Idris, LLokoja
The Ohimegye Igu of Koton Karfe, Dr. Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu, has called for urgent intervention on the Lokoja-Abuja Federal Highway ahead of the Ember months, warning that continued deterioration of critical sections could worsen gridlock and road crashes.
The traditional ruler made the call on Tuesday when he visited the Federal Ministry of Works in Lokoja to formally present the concerns of the Koton Karfe Traditional Council over the condition of the major highway.
Dr. Salihu said the visit followed a resolution of the Traditional Council, stressing that residents, commercial drivers, commuters and other road users were facing increasing hardship as a result of the poor condition of sections of the Abuja-Lokoja corridor.
According to him, immediate attention is required on several identified portions of the highway, particularly the stretches between Chikara and Abaji, Aseni and Omoko, Idu Bridge, Gegu Egba and Ahoko, Manyare and Gegu-Beki Gaba, Okpana and Ozi Community, as well as the diversion in Koton Karfe.
He also called for urgent intervention around the first and second bridges and Iziho Community.
The monarch said while the completion of the Abuja-Lokoja highway remained the ultimate desire of residents and motorists, fixing the identified black spots would provide immediate relief and reduce the risk of accidents.
“Every day we live in fear of mishaps that lead to calamity. This is why the Traditional Council asked me to personally visit and express our concern over the state of the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Road,” he stated.
He lamented that traffic congestion along the corridor often extends into Lokoja, leading to long hours spent by motorists on the road, loss of productive man-hours and, in some cases, fatalities.
“I urge you to take responsibility as we enter the Ember months. Our people and motorists plying the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway have suffered untold hardship,” the traditional ruler said.
Responding, the Kogi State Acting Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Owoniya Bankole, acknowledged the concerns raised by the monarch and described the Koton Karfe-Abaji section as a hotspot.
Bankole explained that the delay on some portions was partly connected to the Federal Government’s decision to convert the highway from asphalt construction to concrete pavement.
He said although concrete construction could take longer, it offers greater durability, longer lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements.
The Controller assured the monarch that priority attention would be given to the identified problematic sections.
He also apologized to residents and motorists affected by the situation, assuring them that the Ministry of Works would intensify efforts to reduce the hardship and improve safety along the corridor.
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Bankole further disclosed that the Ministry would work with the Federal Road Safety Corps and other security agencies to tackle factors responsible for traffic congestion on the Abuja-Lokoja highway.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a letter addressed to the Minister of Works by the Ohimegye Igu of Koton Karfe to the Acting Federal Controller of Works.