Peaceful demonstrations have continued to spread across parts of Central and Northern Cross River State as youths demand urgent repairs on the severely damaged Ikom–Obudu federal road.
Since Monday, young people from Ikom, Etung, Boki, Obudu, and Obanliku Local Government Areas have assembled at the most dangerous sections of the highway to express frustration over what they describe as years of neglect.
The socio-political group, Defendable Force, joined other youth bodies in the protest.
During interactions with journalists, representatives of the movement, Mr. Bright Achu and Mr. Cyril Ncha, faulted National Assembly members from the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts, as well as House of Representatives members covering Ikom/Boki, Obubra/Etung, and Obudu/Bekwara/Obanliku constituencies.
They accused the lawmakers of failing to work together to fix the collapsing road.
According to Achu, elected officials have repeatedly focused on issues that do not directly improve the lives of their constituents, while the road continues to deteriorate.
The protesters stressed that the highway plays a vital economic role by connecting farming communities to urban markets and supporting trade activities.
They warned that the worsening condition of the road is increasing transport costs, slowing business, and deepening hardship for residents.
They also cautioned that rising public frustration could have political consequences as elections draw closer.
The group appealed to Governor Bassey Edet Otu to step in and provide immediate relief, even though the road is federally owned.
Ncha described the road’s condition as unbearable and called for swift government action.
Youth leaders across the affected LGAs vowed to maintain peaceful protests at critical points of the highway until rehabilitation work begins.
Meanwhile, senior government officials, including Chief of Staff Emmanuel Ironbar, Commissioner for Special Duties Oden Ewa, and Ambassador Soni Abang of the South-South Development Commission, have engaged with the protesters, assuring them that the government is committed to addressing the issue.