The deteriorating condition of the Ikom-Boki-Obudu highway in Cross River State has continued to attract public outrage, with commercial drivers and commuters decrying “deliberate neglect” of a critical economic corridor in the state.

Drivers and passengers travelling to Boki and Obudu, who spoke to The Guardian at some motor parks in Calabar, yesterday, narrated their harrowing experiences on the highway, worsened by the rainy season.

According to them, the stretch between Akamkpa, Biase, Iwuru and the Obudu junction has become nearly impassable, with motorists resorting to bush paths and residential compounds to evade collapsed portions of the road.

Jimmy, Akpan, a commercial driver operating the Obudu-Boki route, said the road condition had deteriorated to the point where drivers and passengers often had to wade through waist-high water to rescue vehicles.

Another driver, Thomas Oga, who plies the Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja axis, said he visits the mechanic almost daily due to the damage caused to his vehicle by the road.

“We pay taxes every day, yet nothing is done. From Akamkpa to Biase, we suffer. Sometimes we pass through people’s compounds to get back on the highway. I’ve changed shocks, tires and springs more times than I can count. But the government keeps collecting levies and doing nothing,” he said.

Sunday Bassey, a driver from Ogoja, said the road has become a death trap. Some passengers, who spoke to The Guardian, described the road as “a national embarrassment.”

Patience Itam, a trader travelling to Boki, said she now dreads every trip home.Another passenger, Emmanuel Ogar, a university student, said he once missed an important examination after spending the night on the road.

In his response, Uzembe Joseph, park manager and Public Relations Officer of all private parks in Calabar, called on the Cross River State government to treat the road as a priority.

“We spend millions to buy vehicles, yet they break down after just a few trips because of bad roads. This is affecting our business. We have no alternative route, and people are suffering,” he said.

He acknowledged efforts by the present administration in urban parts of the state, but urged Governor Bassey Otu to extend development to the rural corridors.