Failed Government Behind Ongoing Herdsmen Attacks – Alliance Coordinator, Okafor

Current State of Road Reconstruction in the South

The Southern Solidarity Alliance, led by National Coordinator Ndubuisi Okafor, has raised concerns about the state of federal road reconstruction projects in the South. According to Okafor, while work is ongoing, it falls short of expectations. Major routes like the Benin Bypass and Nnewi-Okigwe Road remain largely impassable, posing significant challenges for travelers.

For instance, commuters often avoid the Benin Bypass due to its poor condition, opting instead for alternative routes through Benin City. This issue is compounded by rising insecurity, as seen in recent kidnappings, such as the abduction of 18 passengers in Edo. These incidents highlight the dangers faced by commuters on these roads.

Okafor also pointed out that even the Benin-Asaba Express remains problematic, with conditions deteriorating toward its end. Travelers have reported long delays and unsafe conditions, such as a member who spent seven hours idling between midnight and 7 a.m. before reaching Okada Junction.

Challenges in Road Projects Across the South-East and South-South

Okafor identified several specific challenges in the ongoing road projects across the South-East and South-South. He noted that comprehensive reconstruction is not taking place, with certain sections of roads like the Onitsha-Enugu Road still in poor condition. Other routes, including Umuahia-Uyo and Uyo-Calabar, also face significant difficulties, making travel difficult for motorists.

Despite announcements of project awards, progress is slow, and bureaucratic bottlenecks may be contributing to the delay. Okafor emphasized the need for serious commitment from the federal government to ensure free movement. He argued that Nigeria can afford to upgrade these roads, which carry high traffic volumes, and that poor road conditions not only slow travel but also increase the risk of attacks by bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists.

The Need for Government Action

Okafor called on the federal government, particularly President Bola Tinubu, to prioritize these roads. He stressed that the South generates substantial revenue and resources for the country, yet infrastructure there remains neglected. He likened this neglect to “sucking the orange and discarding the peel.”

He also highlighted the importance of using quality materials in road construction. For example, the use of substandard materials on the Nnewi-Okigwe Road, such as 6mm or 8mm casting, compromises durability and leads to rapid deterioration. Roads built with quality materials should last at least a decade, but those with inferior materials fail within a year.

Insecurity and Herders-Farmers Clashes

Okafor discussed the causes of herders-farmers clashes, emphasizing the need for ranching as a proper practice. He noted that some cows are owned by southerners themselves, and moving cattle from community to community leads to destruction of crops, harassment, and even loss of life. He called for the government to take responsibility and ban open grazing, ensuring that anyone involved in animal husbandry does so responsibly.

Government Intervention and Legal Accountability

To address these issues, Okafor suggested that the government enforce ranching and hold criminals accountable. He argued that human life must be valued above all, and setting an example through enforcement would deter further offences. If legal arms were permitted, communities could defend themselves against destructive herdsmen. Alternatively, the government must locate these herdsmen and hold them accountable.

Substandard Materials and Federal Response

Okafor stated that the issue of substandard materials was not addressed when it was raised. He proposed forming an objective committee to assess the problematic sections, suggesting that construction engineers may have been complicit in using substandard materials. He called for the federal government to declare a state of emergency on southern roads.

Impact on Trade, Transport, and Economic Activities

Okafor explained that the current state of road reconstruction affects trade, transport, and economic activities in the region. Until the roads are fully completed, their positive impact cannot be felt. He emphasized the need for thorough reconstruction and upgrading of roads to boost the economy.

Infrastructure Gaps Beyond Roads

Beyond roads, Okafor highlighted the need for modernization of Nigerian railways and road networks. He pointed out that recent proposals for high-speed trains focus on Lagos to Abuja and other northern routes, while the East-West corridor, which carries the highest traffic, is consistently neglected.

Youth Drug Abuse and Societal Factors

Okafor discussed the reasons behind excessive drug abuse among youths in the South, attributing it to lifestyle and mindset changes. He noted that many young people seek easy money through online fraud and other shortcuts, influenced by social media and the entertainment industry. He called for collective efforts from government, traditional institutions, churches, and mosques to promote service, hard work, and integrity among the youth.