Senate summons Umahi over abandonment project

The Senate has summoned the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to address the abandonment of a critical section of the Ogbomoso-Oyo Road by the contractor responsible for the project.

The call was made during a plenary session after lawmakers expressed concern over the dire state of the road, which has become a deathtrap for commuters.

The upper chamber tasked the Senate Committee on Works, chaired by Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers South-East), to immediately summon the minister. The committee is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the project’s abandonment and ensure swift action is taken.

In addition, the Senate urged the Federal Government to direct relevant authorities to expedite the rehabilitation of the old Ogbomoso-Oyo Road to prevent further tragic incidents on the road.

These resolutions follow a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation. He highlighted the recent crisis that has befallen the people of Ogbomoso due to a series of accidents, including a fatal petrol tanker explosion.

“The Senate notes that over the past month, Ogbomoso has faced unprecedented hardship due to a tragic tanker accident on the road, resulting in severe traffic congestion, loss of homes, disruption of economic activities, and the loss of innocent lives,” Senator Buhari stated.

He further emphasized that the neglected portion of the road, spanning less than 500 meters, has become notorious for frequent accidents. In recent days, over ten accidents have occurred, causing multiple fatalities, injuries, and significant losses for businesses, particularly for those transporting perishable goods and shipments valued at millions of naira.