Students of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) have given the federal government and Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) 48 hours to commence repairs on the Ifaki–Oye–Ikole Road which has caused accidents and deaths of their colleagues.
The students stormed FERMA’s Ado Ekiti office, protesting the deadly conditions of the road, warning the government to heed their demands or face consequences.
The students threatened to occupy the road, making it impassable for other users.
Speaking during the protest, the institution’s Students’ Union Government President, Mary Abiodun, lamented the severe harm the road has caused to the student population, stating that they have lost over 10 students in fatal accidents, including a recent graduate that died last week.
Abiodun lamented that the inaction of FERMA has jeopardize the safety and well-being of road users, including the students.
“We vehemently condemn the deplorable condition of the Oye–Ikole Road. This road has become a daily death trap for students, staff, and the indigenous people of Oye Ekiti. Despite numerous attempts to highlight this critical issue, FERMA’s inaction has jeopardised the safety and well-being of road users, recently resulting in the tragic death of our beloved alumnus, Ohonsi Williams Ehigie.
“The Oye–Ikole Road is a crucial link between the nation’s capital, Abuja, and several southwestern states, including Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, and Ondo. This road is heavily trafficked by large vehicles such as petroleum tankers and 18-wheel trucks transporting goods.
The students lamented that the road has been in disrepair for years, adding that they cannot remain quiet as the road keeps causing students’ death.
“Tragically, this road has been in disrepair for an extended period, leading to numerous accidents, loss of lives, and untold hardship. We cannot tolerate FERMA’s negligence, which endangers the lives of FUOYE students, staff, and the local community.
“Immediate action is imperative. We can no longer endure the brutal loss of our students due to improper road maintenance and the absence of necessary palliatives. We can’t take it anymore,” she said.
Responding, FERMA’s Federal Road Maintenance Engineer, Simon Adeniyi, apologised to the students for the losses and the road’s condition, stating that the Federal Government had already awarded the contract for the road’s repair, and work would soon begin.
“If you listened to the news, about a month ago, the same road was awarded by the Federal Government, and I assure you that any moment now, the contractor will resume.
“It is not going to be a flexible pavement like asphalt; it will be a concrete road. On the same road, FERMA has a palliative measure that will start soon,” he said.