Residents of the Iwogban-Ute axis in Benin City, Edo State, have expressed gratitude to Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for his recent infrastructure intervention in their community. The project, which involved the reclamation of a devastating gully and the reconstruction of a 1.7-kilometer road, has significantly improved the security situation in the area. Prior to the intervention, the deplorable state of the road and the expanding gully had created secluded spots that criminals exploited to terrorize residents.
The gully and bad road had made parts of the community inaccessible, forcing residents to improvise with makeshift bridges to cross to the other side. This difficult terrain and deserted portions of the road provided cover for criminal elements, leading to a surge in robbery and kidnapping incidents. Many residents had become fearful of moving around the area, particularly during early morning and late evening hours, and some even relocated to other parts of the city due to the insecurity.
A resident, Mrs. Esosa Odigie, who has lived in the area for over 10 years, noted that the intervention had brought a remarkable change to the security situation. She described the road as a "no-go area" prior to the reconstruction, but said that residents can now move freely without fear. Odigie expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for the intervention, which has led to an increase in rental activities in the area.
Another resident, Mrs. Bridget Ogbeide, recalled that residents previously had to use pieces of wood to create makeshift bridges due to the impassable road. She noted that the gully was not only an environmental threat but also contributed to the insecurity in the community. The reclamation of the gully, construction of drainage infrastructure, and reconstruction of the road have changed the security dynamics of the area, allowing for greater ease of access.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency, Hon. Mohammed Bawa Okoyomon, visited the project site and noted that the area had previously been virtually inaccessible due to the gully and bad road. He disclosed that the project, undertaken with Governor Okpebholo's support, had reclaimed the gully and restored access to the community, which had become a den for criminals and kidnappers.
Okoyomon provided further details on the project, stating that the road measures 1.7 kilometers, while the drainage network covers approximately 5.5 kilometers. He stressed that the project was executed to address both the erosion challenge and the access problem. The restoration of the corridor has helped to improve security and reconnect residents to the wider community.
The Iwogban-Ute intervention is part of the wider infrastructure projects being implemented across Edo State under Governor Okpebholo's administration. The project has had a positive impact on the community, and residents are optimistic that it will continue to improve their living conditions and security.
Key points
- Governor Okpebholo's infrastructure intervention has improved security in the Iwogban-Ute axis of Benin City.
- The project involved the reclamation of a devastating gully and reconstruction of a 1.7-kilometer road.
- The intervention has reconnected residents to the wider community and improved their living conditions.
