For motorists and families travelling along the Benin-Agbor Road at the weekend, attending burials turned into a nightmare, as they were trapped in gridlock and forced to endure hours of delays on the already deteriorating road.

The worsening condition of the major route has become a source of frustration for commuters, with motorists and residents accusing the Federal Government of neglecting the road despite years of complaints and repeated promises of rehabilitation.

The Benin-Agbor corridor has suffered from deep potholes, failed sections and severe congestion, making movement increasingly difficult for motorists. Road users said several promises by the Ministry of Works since 2015 to rehabilitate the route had yielded little result.

In July, the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, raised concerns about the condition of the road on the floor of the Senate, alleging that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had deliberately neglected some roads linking Edo and Delta states.

Oshiomhole said the minister needed to pay greater attention to existing roads in poor condition rather than concentrating on the construction of new ones.

He said: “The minister needs to be guided. We have old roads that are in bad shape, but he proposes the construction of new roads when existing ones are in bad shape. Between Benin and Delta, Benin and Okene, the roads are so bad, yet 20 new roads were approved recently. There is manifest bias by the Ministry of Works between Edo and Delta.

“You can’t go to Warri from Benin or Asaba to Benin or Okene, so what have we done wrong? The minister has failed deliberately to include the portion bordering Delta and Edo in the national budget. He should be more balanced and have a national overview of his responsibility.”

A visit by The Guardian to the area in late July showed the extent of the deterioration. A section of the road that was still being used by motorists in 2019 has since been abandoned because of large potholes and severe damage.

Residents said the section became virtually impassable in 2023, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes that are often longer and more difficult to navigate.

A driver who identified himself simply as Godstime described the situation as deplorable.

“The Benin-Agbor Road has been forsaken for too long, as if there is no government. This road was not as bad as it is today under the Muhammadu Buhari administration,” he said. “The road is worse. It is in a pathetic condition,” he added.

Another road user, Israel Mudiagha, said the condition of the road had become critical, warning that motorists faced serious risks while attempting to navigate some sections.

“We cannot pass through the road; it is a no-go area. Tipper Road, before the Agbor Road bypass, is more dangerous to ply,” he said.

Mudiagha said the poor condition of the road had also increased the risk of vehicle breakdowns and criminal attacks.

“We end up in a mechanic workshop after plying the road if we are lucky enough to escape without our vehicles breaking down. People are attacked on the road at night, with their vehicles vandalised,” he said.

When The Guardian contacted Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, he requested that questions be sent to him by message. However, he neither responded to the message nor answered subsequent calls.