Residents of Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State yesterday took to the streets, barricading the ever busy Ikpoba Hill road due to the government’s failure to dredge the Ikpoba River.
New Telegraph reports that this action left many motorists stranded for hours.
The protesters, armed with placards and chanting solidarity songs, demanded that the government mobilize the contractor awarded the dredging contract to begin work.
Ken Omusi, the community’s youth leader, addressed journalists at the river bridge, stating that Governor Godwin Obaseki had promised the contract’s award in July, but no equipment or workers have been deployed.
“The problem we’re facing now is the water pushing the bridge. You can see the water touching the asphalt from the base, and this can lead to more destruction of lives and property,” Omusi said. “We don’t want what’s happening here to turn into something else.
“That’s why we’re calling on the general public to help us beg Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Governor-elect to take this as one of his first projects if sworn in as governor.”
Mrs. Ijeh Isoken, a resident, lamented the loss of personal effects due to the river’s overflow and the tragic sweeping away of a young boy from his room. “We’ve been looking for his body, but haven’t found it. We’re begging the governor to come to our rescue to avoid another incident.”
Other residents, including Kent Imafidon and Princess Omusi Ehue, echoed Omusi’s sentiments, urging the government to fulfill its promise and address the river’s overflow, which has made life unbearable and led to increased malaria cases due to mosquito bites.
The community is calling for immediate action to prevent further devastation and loss of life.