Residents of Orhuwhorun Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State have protested the deplorable condition of the Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Road and the lack of critical infrastructure in the area.

Calling on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently intervene, the protesters, mostly women, marched through the community carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Remember Orhuwhorun–Owhrode,” “Fix the Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Access Road,”

“The Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Road Is Not Motorable,” and “Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Needs Government Attention.”

They lamented that the poor state of the road has subjected residents to severe hardship, increased transportation costs and hindered economic and social activities in the surrounding communities.

Speaking during the protest, the women leader, Mrs Victoria Ashakpoke, described the condition of the road as unbearable, noting that residents pay exorbitant transport fares because many commercial drivers avoid the route due to its swampy and dilapidated state.

According to her, the road serves as a critical link between Orhuwhorun, Owhrode and neighbouring communities, but years of neglect have made movement difficult for residents.

“The daily challenges we face in accessing neighbouring communities are painful. Due to the poor state of the road, we pay double transportation fares because no commercial transporter is willing to ply the swampy route. Our economic activities, access to essential services and overall well-being are being affected,” she said.

Another resident, Mrs Yellow Okorume, appealed to the Delta State Government to provide a lasting solution to the problem, stressing that the road has remained in a deplorable condition for far too long.

She expressed optimism that government intervention would restore confidence among residents and significantly improve living conditions in the affected communities.

Also speaking, Mrs Esther Adama, highlighted the safety risks posed by the deteriorating road, particularly during the rainy season when large sections become almost impassable.

She noted that good road infrastructure is essential for economic development, security and sustainable community growth, urging the authorities to respond promptly to the community’s appeal.

The traditional leader of the community, Oghale Ighodakpo, emphasised that the protest was peaceful and aimed solely at drawing government attention to the plight of residents.

He said the prolonged neglect of the Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Road has continued to inflict economic hardship on residents, traders and businesses operating within the area and neighbouring communities.

Ighodakpo urged the state government to prioritise the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road, describing it as critical to the socio-economic development of the area.

The Vice Chairman of Orhuwhorun Community, Cyril Onojeghuo, said the road has become a major obstacle to commerce and daily life, affecting traders, workers, students and motorists who depend on it for transportation.