By Abasi Ita
Growing fears have enveloped residents of Akpabuyo and Bakassi local government areas of Cross River State following the rapid expansion of a gully erosion site that now threatens a section of the Calabar, Akpabuyo, Bakassi Federal Highway.
The erosion, located at Ikot Asuquo Edem in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, has continued to eat into portions of the highway, raising concerns over the possibility of the road being cut off if urgent remedial measures are not taken.
Raising the alarm, the Leader of the Seventh Bakassi Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Grace Bassey, described the development as a major threat to lives and public infrastructure.
She attributed the erosion to earthworks carried out during the proposed Super Highway project initiated under the administration of former governor Ben Ayade, noting that the abandoned site has deteriorated into an environmental hazard.
According to her, the highway remains the only major route connecting Bakassi Local Government Area to other parts of the state, making its preservation critical to the movement of people and goods.
“Today, the abandoned site has become a major threat to lives and critical infrastructure,” Bassey said, warning that the collapse of the road would severely affect transportation, commerce and access to essential services.
She stressed that her appeal was not intended to apportion blame but to draw attention to the need for urgent intervention.
“This is not about the politics of blame, rather it is about preventing a disaster before it happens,” she stated.
Residents have also expressed anxiety over the worsening situation. Anthony Okon Etim, a commuter, said the erosion had become a source of concern for motorists and residents who depend on the highway.
“We use this road every day to transport goods and travel to Calabar and Bakassi. The erosion keeps expanding whenever it rains. Government must intervene quickly before the road is cut off completely,” he said.
Another resident, Bassey Edem, noted that the road plays a strategic role in the economic and security architecture of the area.
“This highway is very important to us. Apart from linking Bakassi to the rest of the state, it is also used by traders, fishermen and security personnel. If nothing is done urgently, many communities will suffer,” Edem said.
Bassey called on the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, members of the National Assembly and other relevant agencies to commence erosion control and road stabilisation works on the affected section of the highway.
She specifically appealed to Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and the member representing Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives to facilitate immediate intervention.
“The warning signs are clear. The time to act is now. Let us save this critical federal highway before it is too late,” she said.
The Calabar, Akpabuyo, Bakassi Federal Highway serves as a vital transportation corridor for coastal communities in southern Cross River, connecting residents to markets, government institutions and other essential services. Local residents fear that continued erosion and landslides could isolate Bakassi and neighbouring communities from the rest of the state.