The Ohimegye Igu of Koton Karfe, Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, has called for urgent Federal Government intervention on the Lokoja-Abuja highway to avert worsening traffic congestion, accidents and possible fatalities during the Ember months.
The traditional ruler made the call on Tuesday when he visited the Federal Ministry of Works office in Lokoja to draw attention to the deteriorating condition of critical sections of the highway.
According to him, the visit followed a resolution of the Koton Karfe Traditional Council, which mandated him to personally engage the relevant authorities over the challenges confronting motorists and communities along the corridor.
Dr. Salihu appealed to the Ministry of Works to urgently address several problematic sections of the road between Abaji and Lokoja.
He specifically identified the stretches between Chikara and Abaji, Aseni and Omoko, Idu Bridge, Gegu Egba and Ahoko, Manyare and Gegu-Beki Gaba, Okpana and Ozi Community, as well as the diversion in Koton Karfe.
He also called for immediate intervention at the first and second bridges and around Iziho Community, stressing that the identified locations had become major sources of concern for motorists and residents.
While acknowledging that the completion of the Abuja-Lokoja highway remains the ultimate expectation of road users, the monarch said immediate repairs on the critical sections would help reduce gridlock, prevent accidents and provide relief to motorists.
“Every day we live in fear of mishaps that lead to calamity. This is why the Traditional Council asked me to personally visit and express our concern over the state of the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Road,” he said.
The monarch further warned that persistent gridlock on the route was causing motorists and residents to spend hours in traffic, resulting in loss of productive time and, in some cases, fatalities.
He urged the Federal Ministry of Works to act swiftly as the Ember months approach.
“Our people and motorists plying the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway have suffered untold hardship. I urge you to take responsibility as we enter the Ember months,” he added.
Responding, the Acting Federal Controller of Works in Kogi State, Engr. Owoniya Bankole, acknowledged the concerns raised by the traditional ruler and described the Koton Karfe-Abaji axis as a major hotspot.
He, however, expressed optimism that measures had already been activated to reduce the hardship being experienced by communities and road users along the corridor.
Bankole explained that some of the delays on the road were linked to the Federal Government’s decision to convert the highway from asphalt to concrete pavement.
According to him, although concrete construction takes longer to execute, it offers greater durability, longer service life and reduced maintenance requirements.
He assured the monarch that the problematic sections would receive priority attention, while apologising to residents and motorists for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing works.
The Controller also disclosed that the Ministry of Works would strengthen collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps and other security agencies to tackle factors contributing to traffic congestion and improve safety along the Abuja-Lokoja highway.
The visit ended with the presentation of a letter addressed to the Minister of Works by the Ohimegye Igu, formally outlining the concerns and requests of the Koton Karfe Traditional Council.