Tragic death sparks FUOYE students’ protest over unsafe Oye-Ikole road

Construction work to commence soon, says FERMA
Students from the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) yesterday paralysed operations at the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) office in Ado-Ekiti, demanding immediate repairs to the Oye-Ikole Federal Road.

The protest followed the death of a final-year student, allegedly due to the road’s deplorable condition.

The heavily trafficked Oye-Ekiti-Ikole Federal Road is a crucial link between Abuja and several southwestern states, including Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Lagos. Large vehicles such as petroleum tankers and 18-wheel trucks, including those transporting products for Dangote Cement and Mikano, frequently use the road.

The students, bearing placards with messages like “Save the future of our country,” “Dave Umahi save FUOYE students,” and “President Tinubu save FUOYE students’ lives,” stormed the FERMA office on New Iyin Road around noon, entered the premises, and chanted solidarity songs.

The protest was led by FUOYE Students’ Union President, Lady Comrade Abiodun Mary, who expressed the students’ anger over FERMA’s alleged negligence in addressing the road’s dangerous condition.

Mary stated, “This road has become a daily death trap for students, staff, and the indigenous people of Oye-Ekiti. FERMA’s inaction has jeopardised the safety of road users, recently resulting in the tragic death of our alumnus, Ohonsi Williams Ehigie. This prolonged neglect has led to numerous accidents, loss of lives, and severe hardships. As a union committed to the safety of its members, we cannot tolerate this negligence.”

The students issued a 48-hour ultimatum to FERMA and the Federal Government to begin immediate repairs. They demanded urgent measures to ensure the road’s safety, including filling all potholes and ongoing maintenance.

Responding on behalf of FERMA, Simeon Adeniyi extended condolences to the bereaved family and assured students that efforts were underway to rehabilitate the road.

He said, “A month ago, the Federal Executive Council approved the reconstruction of this road, and contractors will soon mobilise to the site. This will not be a flexible pavement but a durable concrete road. Additionally, FERMA’s palliative measures will commence shortly, with discussions ongoing with the contractor. I assure you, the Federal Government is committed to fixing this road.”