Tension is currently high along the Calabar/Itu Highway as angry residents have taken to the road, blocking vehicular movement in protest over devastating flooding they attribute to the ongoing construction work being handled by Nsik Construction.
The protesters, made up of men, women, and youths from affected communities, are occupying sections of the highway, demanding urgent government intervention as floodwaters continue to inundate homes and businesses.
Many residents say the flooding has forced several families out of their homes, leaving them stranded and counting losses. Some demonstrators allege that the drainage and road construction have failed to adequately channel stormwater, resulting in an unprecedented level of flooding in the area.
”We have lost our homes and property. We can no longer keep quiet,” one of the protesters said while calling on the Akwa Ibom State Government to urgently inspect the project and provide immediate relief to affected residents.
Traffic has been brought to a standstill as motorists queue on both sides of the highway while security personnel and community leaders work to calm the situation and restore normalcy.
The protesters are calling on the state government to immediately review the execution of the project, investigate the concerns raised by residents, and ensure that all construction works comply with approved engineering standards to prevent further hardship.
As of the time of filing this report, the protest is ongoing, with affected residents insisting they will remain on the highway until their concerns receive the attention of the appropriate authorities.
Protest in Akwa Ibom as Residents Block Calabar/Itu Highway Over Flooding, Demand Action on Road Project
