Ikom–Obudu Road Protesters Give Government 7-Day Ultimatum as Anger Over Deplorable Highway Grows

Youths from several communities in Cross River State have issued a seven-day ultimatum to government authorities to act on the long-neglected Ikom–Obudu federal highway, staging sustained protests and warning of broader action if no intervention comes.

The demonstrators, drawn mainly from Ikom, Boki, Obanliku and Etung local government areas, for the fifth consecutive day blocked parts of the Ikom–Obudu highway, carrying placards and chanting for urgent repairs to what they described as a “death trap” that has stifled economic activity and endangered lives for decades.

Protest leaders said the road’s condition, with deep potholes and eroded sections has made travel hazardous, slowed the movement of goods and farm produce, and inflated transportation costs. They noted the highway links major commercial and agricultural hubs in the region and connects to tourist destinations like Obudu Mountain Resort, yet has seen little sustained maintenance by authorities for over 40 years.

One of the youth representatives, who said he lost a limb in an accident on the highway, declared the protest would continue unless federal and state governments begin immediate reconstruction work within seven days. Some protesters also threatened to boycott the 2027 elections if their demands are ignored, signalling rising frustration with elected officials.

Protesters also appealed to local and national representatives, including members of the National Assembly and the state governor to collaborate with the Federal Government to fix the highway.

In response, the House of Representatives member for the Ikom/Boki federal constituency, Abang acknowledged the hardship faced by constituents and said engagement with federal authorities is underway to expedite repairs, while urging the youths to remain peaceful.

Residents and motorists have widely shared videos and posts on social media showing long queues of stalled vehicles and damaged road sections, amplifying calls for urgent action on the issue.