By Emem Idio, Yenagoa

Indigenes and residents of Toru Angiama Community in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State have staged a peaceful protest over the abandoned 12-kilometre Udophori – Toru – Angiama – Tamkunu – Toru Apeilibiri – Agoloma Road.

The protest which was organised by the Toru Angiama Youth Association (TAYA) was attended by women, elders and youths, who brandished placards with different inscriptions.

Some of the inscriptions include: “No road no election , “Fix our road now,” “Mothers are dying cos we can’t each the hospital”, Development delayed Is development denied,” and ,“we deserve government attention.”

The 12km stretch, which links several riverine communities including Udophori, Toru, Angiama, Tamkunu, Toru Apeilibiri, and Agoloma, has reportedly been abandoned for years despite earlier promises of completion.

Indigenes say the deplorable state of the road has crippled economic activities, increased transportation costs, and exposed commuters to security risks.

Speaking during the protest, the Lead Convener of the protest Comrade, Holland Numuye , said the demonstration was not an act of hostility but a desperate call for intervention.

According to him, pregnant women, school children, traders, and farmers suffer daily due to the impassable condition of the road, especially during the rainy season when large portions become flooded and muddy.

His words: “Our people are cut off from neighboring communities. Businesses are collapsing, farm produce gets wasted because buyers cannot access us, and emergency services cannot reach us on time. This road is our lifeline, yet it has been abandoned.”

Numuye, revealed the people of the community have unanimously agreed to resist any form of campaign including voting during the next upcoming general election.

The Community Development Chairman ( CDC) Comrade Owudein Ebikiwenemor , and the Vice President Toru Angiama Community Ayayeibo Bernard, who also joined the protest both decried government neglect over the road , calling on both the Delta State Government and relevant contractors to return to site and complete the project.

They emphasized that the road serves as a major economic corridor connecting several riverine settlements and boosting local trade.

The community leaders condemned the act of their representatives for not living up to their responsibility ensuring the contractors handling the abandoned project are investigated and put into check for the betterment of all.

“Our representatives have failed to carry out their function , the road has been awarded since 1999 but was surprisingly abandoned which has negatively affected the life’s of the people in the community . The community will will be forced to reject any campaign or voting during the 2027 election if this neglect continues .”

Also speaking, the Amanaowei of Toru- Angiama Community HRH Frank Ayakoroma , decried the daily sufferings the road has metted to everyone in the community, He said despite letters written to the government and intervention agencies nothing has been done to ensure the completion of the road which he described as a nightmare to the community.

The Paramount Ruler of the community HRH Ayakroma , said; “What our communities desperately require is not the construction of street roads, but the completion of the abandoned 12km Udophori–Toru Angiama–Tamkunu–Toru-Apeilibiri–Agoloma Road in Patani LGA, Delta State.

“This road is a lifeline that connects our communities, supports our local economy, improves access to healthcare, education, and ensures the safety of our people. For years, its abandonment has continued to bring hardship, isolation, and economic setbacks to the people living along this axis.

“Therefore, we humbly but firmly appeal to Your Excellency, kindly redirect the resources meant for multiple street road projects in Patani LGA toward the immediate completion of this critical 12km road.

“Completing this road will have a far greater impact on the lives of thousands of residents than scattered street road projects,.This is the road that truly matters to our people..Your leadership has the power to bring relief, restore mobility, and rekindle hope across these communities.”