Massive potholes cause 127 deaths on Benin-Asaba road

…Motorists Flay FG Alleged Neglect, Call For Urgent Steps

Abysmal multiple potholes on the Benin-Asaba Expressway have continued to wreak havoc on motorists, especially truck drivers as 127 persons have lost their lives plying the death-trap.

Investigations show that the pitiable state of the Benin-Asaba/Ughelli/Ebu/Abuja/Agbor/Abraka federal roads portends sorrow, as it records almost daily casualty of motorists and passengers.

Several motorists who spoke to The Guardian, flayed federal government’s neglect, calling for urgent solutions, adding that failure to do so might result in more fatalities.

The Delta State Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Random Kulven confirmed that 253 cases of accidents were recorded in the last one year while 46 cars were razed in the period reviewed.

Noting that most of the accidents occur due to over speeding, Kulven warned against the use of tokunbo tyres as they are not durable. Expectedly, heavily loaded trucks conveying goods to the South-South/South East regions have worsened the deplorable condition of the roads even more.

For instance, the Asaba portion of the Benin/Asaba Highway is a death trap for motorists and has continued to attract condemnations.Patrick Ukah, the State Commissioner for Information told journalists that it would be difficult for the state government to take responsibility for the federal government considering the current recession in the country, explaining that the inability of FERMA to effectively handle its statutory works to specification and time had remained the primary challenges staring the state government including motorists plying the road.

Okpanam T-junction is at present, a deadly accident-prone spot, but FERMA officials who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “paucity of funds is why the potholes have not been fixed, and we have written several memos to no avail”.

During nightfall, unsuspecting motorists often drive into the potholes, causing their vehicles to somersault, leaving the driver or passengers dead on the spot.