By Ike Abiagom
Residents of Ebu Community in Oshimili North LGA, Delta State, say decades of neglect have left them isolated, with worsening erosion and impassable roads cutting off the agrarian town from neighboring communities and the rest of the state. Known for its agricultural output, the community argues that poor road access continues to cripple economic and social life, despite repeated promises from successive governments. With the rainy season approaching, fears are mounting as erosion ravages key routes and threatens farmlands, homes, and lives.
The road to the palace and other strategic parts of the town is now nearly impassable, while the Ebu–Ezi-Ukala road, the main link to surrounding areas, has remained abandoned and unmotorable for years. Community leaders say the collapse of these routes has stalled trade, made it difficult for farmers to move produce to market, and deepened hardship in what is considered one of Delta North’s food baskets. They also raised concerns about the federal road linking the axis to Abuja, alleging that heavy-duty vehicles have further degraded the road and endangered motorists.
Ebu leaders say the community has gone more than 30 years without a single functional internal road, leading to isolation, collapsed local commerce, and severe logistical challenges. They have appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to declare a state of emergency on Ebu’s development and immediately begin reconstruction of access roads, erosion control works, and other critical infrastructure. Residents say government intervention is their only hope of reconnecting the community and preventing further collapse.
