By Winner James
Africa-Press – Nigeria. Barely three years after it was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari at a cost of N38 billion, the Nasarawa–Oweto-Otukpo Federal Road in Benue State has suffered extensive structural failure.
large sections of the road have collapsed and become impassable.
The road, which connects Nasarawa, Oweto, Agatu, Otukpo and links Benue State to the eastern part of the country, was conceived as a strategic alternative corridor to reduce travel time, boost trade and open up rural communities.
Today, it lies abandoned, severely damaged and largely avoided by road users.
A visit to the corridor by DAILY POST revealed multiple failed sections where asphalt has peeled off, shoulders have caved in and erosion has carved deep channels across the carriageway.
In some areas, motorists are forced to divert into nearby bushes to bypass collapsed portions, while other stretches are completely impassable.
Several culverts were also found either exposed or damaged, raising concerns about drainage design and execution.
Despite its strategic importance, the road was largely deserted during this reporter’s tour, particularly between Agatu and Otukpo, as well as from Oweto towards Nasarawa State.
Investigations showed that the collapse of the road coincided with a sharp decline in traffic caused by worsening insecurity along the corridor.
As a result, most commuters now avoid the road entirely, opting instead for the longer Makurdi–Otukpo route, prioritising safety over convenience.
Heavy vehicles accelerated road damage
Further findings by DAILY POST revealed that the heavy influx of articulated vehicles shortly after the road’s completion significantly contributed to its rapid deterioration.
Following the commissioning of the Otukpo–Oweto Road, many long-haul trucks and trailers heading to the eastern part of Nigeria and Benue State reportedly abandoned the Lokoja route, diverting to the new road because of its shorter distance.
The sudden concentration of heavy-duty vehicles, including trailers and tankers, placed enormous pressure on the road, which residents and transport operators believe may not have been designed to carry such sustained axle loads.
A commercial driver, Enoch Adagboyi, who is familiar with the route said:
“After the road was opened, trailers and tankers took over the place. It didn’t take long before the surface started breaking.”
Experts noted that the absence of functional weighbridges and axle-load enforcement along the corridor allowed overloaded vehicles to operate unchecked, accelerating the failure of the pavement and sub-base layers.
With the worsening state of the road and rising insecurity, these heavy vehicles have now abandoned the Otukpo–Oweto axis and diverted to the Makurdi route.
Kidnappings and attacks drive motorists away
Beyond structural failure, frequent kidnappings and armed attacks along adjoining corridors have played a major role in the road’s abandonment.
In November 2025, gunmen reportedly abducted six passengers along the Ogobia–Adoka road.
There have also been repeated reports of ambushes along routes linking Otukpo, Agatu, Adoka and Ogobia, with security sources confirming the presence of criminal hideouts in nearby forested areas.
These incidents have instilled fear among motorists, transport unions and even maintenance workers, making regular use and upkeep of the road nearly impossible.
The road is a death trap – Motorists lament:
Commercial drivers, who spoke to DAILY POST, expressed disappointment over the fate of the road.
A driver, Joseph Onche, said: “The road started failing too early. Even before the collapse became serious, people stopped using it because of kidnappers. Today, it’s not safe and not motorable.”
Another motorist added: “We were happy when it was commissioned. Now it looks like the money was wasted.”
Traders and farmers in Agatu also reported that commercial activities have dropped sharply due to the absence of traffic.
A resident, Margaret Ichalefu, said: “Before, vehicles passed here every day. We sold food, fishes and farm produce. Now the road is empty.”
Residents also complained that access to healthcare, schools and emergency services has become increasingly difficult.
Experts raise questions over quality and oversight
Infrastructure experts have raised serious concerns over how a road valued at N38 billion could fail within such a short period.
A civil engineer, Simon Adakole, told DAILY POST that the early collapse points to possible design flaws, substandard materials, poor drainage, or weak supervision.
“A road of that cost should last far beyond three years, even without major maintenance,” he said.
Silence of contractors, federal authorities
The Otukpo–Oweto Road is under federal jurisdiction, yet there has been no comprehensive public explanation from the Federal Ministry of Works or the contractors involved.
The Loko-Oweto Bridge and associated Oweto-Otukpo road network was primarily constructed by an Israeli firm, Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Nigeria Limited. The project, which spans the River Benue to connect Nasarawa and Benue States, was awarded in November 2011.
Efforts to reach the contractors for comment were unsuccessful, as several calls put across to their head office were not attended to.
Similarly, several efforts to get comments from Engr. Agbasi, Managing Director/CEO Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) were fruitless.
FERMA, maintenance gaps and security constraints
Analysts also blamed the absence of timely intervention by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), noting that early warning signs may have been ignored due to security risks.
Security experts warned that abandoned highways deteriorate faster due to erosion, vandalism and lack of routine inspection.
A costly symbol of infrastructure failure
For residents of Benue South, the collapse of the Otukpo–Oweto road has become a stark reminder of failed infrastructure planning and weak accountability.
Source: Daily Post Nigeria
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