VIDEO: Thousands Trapped on Iru–Imesi Road as Anti-Corruption Group Demands Urgent Government Action

By Oriontimes News | July 24, 2026

The War Against Corruption Initiative International (WACI) has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Iru–Imesi Road in Ondo State, describing the failed roadway as a humanitarian, economic, and public safety emergency that demands immediate intervention from government authorities.

The organization said the deplorable state of the road has continued to inflict severe hardship on commuters, motorists, traders, farmers, and residents, with many spending several hours stranded in traffic caused by the impassable route.

Speaking after personally experiencing the gridlock, WACI Director of Operations, Thomas Kahinde, said what was meant to be a routine journey became an exhausting ordeal as traffic came to a complete standstill due to the road's poor condition.

According to Kahinde, he was forced to leave his vehicle to investigate the cause of the prolonged congestion, only to discover that the road had remained in a deplorable state for an extended period despite reports that the project had already been awarded.

He explained that discussions with residents, commercial drivers, and other road users indicated that the contractor handling the project had reportedly not been adequately mobilized to commence meaningful construction work.

"The suffering on this road is unimaginable until one experiences it firsthand," Kahinde said.

"Spending several hours on a single stretch of road is unacceptable in a country striving for economic growth and improved infrastructure. Every minute lost on this road translates to lost productivity, wasted resources, and unnecessary hardship for citizens."

He lamented that commercial buses, private vehicles, and trucks transporting goods remained trapped for hours, leaving passengers exhausted, hungry, and uncertain about when they would continue their journeys.

Beyond the inconvenience, WACI warned that the neglected road is inflicting heavy economic losses on businesses through delayed deliveries, rising transportation costs, and extensive vehicle damage.

The organization further noted that farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to transport agricultural produce to markets, while emergency situations involving patients, pregnant women, and other vulnerable citizens could quickly become life-threatening because of poor access to the road.

WACI therefore appealed to the Federal Government, the Ondo State Government, the Federal Ministry of Works, the Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel, and the Minister of Interior to urgently intervene by resolving all issues delaying the contractor's mobilization and ensuring immediate commencement of construction work.

According to the organization, rehabilitating the Iru–Imesi Road would significantly improve transportation, stimulate economic activities, strengthen security, facilitate trade, and restore public confidence in government's commitment to infrastructure development.

The anti-corruption group emphasized that the project should be completed within the shortest possible time to end the prolonged suffering of road users.

WACI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and responsive governance, pledging to continue advocating for citizens affected by abandoned or delayed public infrastructure projects across Nigeria.

Signed:
War Against Corruption Initiative International (WACI)

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