By SUNTV Global Channel | December 24, 2025
The Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (ICA FCT) has raised a fresh alarm over the worsening state of major roads linking Abuja to the South-East, describing the highways as “death traps” and accusing successive governments of decades of neglect.
In a statement obtained by SUNTV Global Channel on Wednesday, the association said the poor condition of the roads has escalated insecurity, disrupted economic activities, and deepened feelings of marginalisation among people of the South-East.
According to the group, critical routes connecting Abuja to the region have been abandoned for years, exposing travellers to frequent accidents and attacks by criminal elements.
“The deplorable state of roads connecting Abuja to the South East reflects a glaring imbalance in resource allocation,” the association stated. “For decades, these roads have been neglected by lawmakers and the Federal Government, turning them into havens for criminals and placing innocent lives at risk.”
The ICA FCT warned that the continued neglect has far-reaching consequences, including stalled trade, rising youth unrest, and growing insecurity along major travel corridors.
“This persistent neglect fuels frustration among youths, cripples commerce, and entrenches a sense of exclusion among South-East communities,” the statement said. “This is unacceptable in a nation that claims to be united.”
With thousands of Nigerians expected to travel to the South-East for the Christmas and New Year festivities, the association called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the affected roads.
“As citizens journey home this festive season, their safety and dignity must be prioritised. Lives should not be lost simply because government failed to fix strategic national roads,” the group stressed.
The association also urged South-East lawmakers and the Minister of Works to take immediate and decisive action to rehabilitate the highways, warning that abandoned roads have become easy operating grounds for criminals.
Emphasising the region’s importance to Nigeria’s economy, the group noted that the South-East remains a major driver of commerce, entrepreneurship, and national development.
“The South East is a vital part of Nigeria. We demand better infrastructure, improved security, and fair resource allocation. Our people deserve safe passage, improved livelihoods, and genuine inclusion in Nigeria’s growth story,” the statement added.
In a strong political warning, the association cautioned that failure to address the issue could have consequences at the polls in 2027.
“The patience of South-East communities is wearing thin. If our lawmakers fail to act decisively, we will mobilise voters against their re-election. The ballot remains a powerful tool for accountability,” the group warned.
The statement was jointly signed by the President and Secretary-General of the association, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe and Mazi Emmanuel Chinwoke Onah, who said the outcry reflects growing frustration among Igbo residents in the FCT and beyond.
“This is about safety, dignity, and fairness. Our lawmakers must show they are working for their people, not just occupying seats,” they said.
Reaffirming its commitment to advocacy, the ICA FCT said it would continue to champion Igbo interests across Nigeria and in the diaspora, while pushing for what it described as an “Igbo Renaissance.”
“Our vision is a future where Igbo people thrive, contribute meaningfully, and lead with dignity in Nigeria and globally,” the association stated, adding that it is awaiting “urgent and concrete action” from the Federal Government.
— SUNTV Global Channel
