Ilorin communities cry out to gov AbdulRazaq over deplorable roads, calls for urgent intervention

Residents of Itesiwaju, Idi-Igba Were/Alayo, and Tinu communities in Ilorin have called on Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to urgently intervene in grading the roads in their areas, which they described as impassable and dangerous to their daily lives.

Speaking with The Informant247 on Monday during a visit to the areas, residents pointed to large potholes, stagnant floodwaters, and overgrown weeds that have taken over the roads. Entire stretches had been reduced to muddy paths, cutting off vehicles from entering the communities.

With no access to transportation, many residents are forced to trek long distances just to reach motorable points. Vehicles are often parked far away, while people walk through thick mud, carrying goods and children under difficult conditions.

In the Itesiwaju community, Mallam Babatunji, the community chairman, described the condition as “life-threatening,” especially when it rains. “This is our home; we cannot run away from it,” he said. “But the road is a disaster: flooded, slippery, and completely blocked at times.”

He appealed directly to the governor, saying, “We call on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to help us. We are loyal supporters of his government, and we believe he will not ignore our suffering.”

Another resident, who preferred not to be named, revealed that several families had relocated due to the worsening road condition. “We contribute money to patch the road ourselves, but it’s not sustainable,” he said. “Even pregnant women give birth on the road sometimes. It has become a death trap.”

He added that the bad road has nearly crippled the local economy. “We now carry goods on our heads to where vehicles can get to us. The hardship is too much, and it is affecting our businesses and our health.”

Traders in the area echoed the same concerns. Muhibat Muhammed, a local vendor, said okada riders have stopped coming into the community. “They drop us at the junction, even with heavy loads. They say the road is too risky,” she lamented.

In the nearby Tinu community, Saliu Ojumokan, the deputy chairman, said multiple appeals had been made to authorities but with no meaningful response. “They told us work would begin on specific dates, but no one came back,” he said. “We’ve done all we can as residents, but it’s not enough.”

Alhaji AbdulRahman Ibrahim, the community’s organizing secretary, explained how recurring floods wash away their makeshift repairs. “We try to block the flood with sand and stones, but it doesn’t hold. More potholes appear after every rainfall,” he said. “Many houses are already flooded.”

In Idi-Igba Were/Alayo, residents say their link road to Itesiwaju, Tinu, and Harmony Estate has been completely cut off. “This road connects several communities, but now it’s nearly gone,” said a resident.

Abdullahi Olamilekan added: “We beg Governor AbdulRazaq to listen to our plight and help us. We just want a road we can walk and drive on safely.”

The residents acknowledged the visible developmental strides recorded under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq across Kwara State and expressed confidence in his commitment to grassroots development.

They are appealing for his urgent attention to their communities’ pressing road challenges, trusting that their plight will not be overlooked. They also prayed for the continued success of his administration and a peaceful, impactful tenure in office.