Ebu Bleeding From Decades Of Neglect As Government Delegation Inspects Collapsed Roads

By : Ike Philip Abiagom

Ebu, a predominantly agrarian community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, has for decades endured what residents describe as abandonment by successive governments, leaving the town struggling with poor infrastructure, limited access to essential services, and worsening economic hardship.

Across the community, the signs of neglect are evident. Public schools are characterized by dilapidated structures, healthcare facilities remain poorly equipped, and roads have deteriorated to alarming levels. The onset of the rainy season has further compounded the plight of residents as flooded and damaged roads continue to hinder transportation, economic activities, and access to neighboring communities.

However, after years of persistent appeals and complaints from residents, there appears to be renewed hope following the visit of a high-powered government delegation led by political leaders from Oshimili North Local Government Area.

The delegation, which visited the Ebu–Illah–Ugbolu Road on Thursday, was led by the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Olorogun Innocent Esewezie. Other members included the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oshimili North, Hon. Austin Nnabuife; Hon. Barr. Princess Pat Ajudua; Chief Patrick Ukah; Chief Olisa Ifeajika; and other prominent stakeholders.

The purpose of the visit was to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the deteriorating road network and reassure residents of government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.

The inspection team encountered firsthand the severity of the situation. The delegation reportedly could not continue its journey through the federal Ogbolu–Illah–Ebu Road because sections of the route had become virtually impassable.

Consequently, they were forced to take the alternative Ezi-Ukala–Ebu Road, a state road constructed more than three decades ago during the administration of former Governor James Ibori but which has since fallen into serious disrepair.

Upon arrival in Ebu, members of the delegation witnessed what residents have long described as the community’s isolation from the rest of the state. Several trailers and heavy-duty trucks were seen stranded along the road, unable to move forward or backward due to the deplorable condition of the route.

The delegation was received by the traditional ruler of Ebu, the Onu of Ebu, alongside community leaders and residents, who expressed deep concern over the worsening condition of the roads and their impact on transportation, commerce, agriculture, and daily life.

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Speaking during the visit, Olorogun Esewezie said the government delegation came to identify with the people of Ebu and neighboring communities while obtaining firsthand information on the extent of the challenges confronting them.

He assured residents that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is aware of the situation and remains committed to finding a lasting solution.

According to him, the state government is deeply concerned about the deteriorating condition of the roads and will activate the necessary processes to address the challenges and restore ease of movement for residents and motorists.

Responding, the Onu of Ebu commended the delegation for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of responsive and compassionate leadership. He appealed to the Delta State Government to prioritize the reconstruction of the Ebu – Ukala – Ezi Road, which he described as the community’s major gateway to the outside world.

The monarch lamented that the poor state of the road has effectively cut off Ebu from neighboring communities, making movement difficult for residents and negatively affecting economic activities.

Residents who spoke with Newsbreeze expressed mixed feelings about the visit.
Mr. Ide Idabor said Ebu people have suffered years of neglect and remain skeptical despite the latest government intervention.

“Ebu has suffered for decades. This is not the first time government officials have come to inspect these roads. Many people have already lost hope because previous visits did not translate into action,” he said.

Another resident, Kema Ogbolu, lamented what he described as the community’s exclusion from the state’s development agenda.

For years, we have cried out for help. Nothing has been done. Ebu is bleeding because critical infrastructure has been neglected for too long. We hope this visit will finally bring meaningful action, he stated.

Despite the frustrations expressed by residents, the visit has rekindled hopes that government may finally address the long-standing infrastructural challenges facing the community.

For many residents, the inspection represents more than a routine government exercise; it is seen as a crucial test of whether years of promises will eventually give way to concrete action.

As Ebu continues to grapple with isolation, poor roads, and inadequate public infrastructure, residents say what they need most is not another assessment, but swift intervention that will reconnect the community to the rest of Delta State and restore confidence in government’s commitment to inclusive development.