By Ike Philip Abiagom
EBU/Nigeria: Residents of Ebu Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have renewed calls for urgent intervention over deteriorating roads and inadequate public infrastructure, saying the worsening condition of the community’s access routes is disrupting livelihoods and isolating residents.
The latest concerns followed heavy rainfall that residents said rendered a major access route impassable, further complicating movement in and out of the agrarian community and exposing farmers, traders, students and other residents to increased hardship.
At the centre of the complaints is the Ebu–Ezi–Ukala Road, which residents described as a critical link to neighbouring communities and markets but one that has deteriorated after years of inadequate attention.
Residents said the condition of the road has affected the movement of agricultural produce, access to schools and healthcare facilities, and other economic activities that depend on reliable transportation.
They also raised concerns about security, alleging that the poor road network and difficult terrain could make it easier for criminal elements, including suspected herders, to operate in parts of the area.
Beyond the roads, community members identified several other infrastructure gaps, including deteriorating school buildings, inadequate healthcare facilities and the absence of electricity supply, which they said have compounded the difficulties faced by residents.
According to them, successive appeals for development have not produced the level of intervention they expected, despite the community’s participation in elections and continued engagement with government at different levels.
The residents said their concerns therefore extend beyond the condition of a single road, stressing that Ebu requires broader attention to infrastructure and basic services to support its agricultural economy and improve living conditions.
They appealed to the Federal Government, Delta State Government and other relevant authorities to intervene on the Ebu–Illah–Ogbolu Road and Ebu–Ezi–Ukala Road, alongside improvements in education, healthcare, electricity and other critical infrastructure.
One community stakeholder said the prolonged difficulties had created a growing sense of frustration among residents.
“We have waited for decades. What we need now are visible actions and not more promises,” the stakeholder said.
The residents said timely intervention on the road network would help restore movement, improve access to markets and public services, and reduce the economic pressure created by poor connectivity.
Their concerns come amid renewed attention to Ebu’s road infrastructure, with earlier reports in 2026 also documenting complaints over the condition of the Ebu–Ezi–Ukala route and other roads serving the community.
