NEWS
Fuoye Students Storm FERMA, Gives FG 48-hour Ultimatum To Fix Roads or Face The Wrath Of Aluta
Tragedy struck the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) community as three students lost their lives due to the dangerous conditions of the Oye-Ikole federal road. In response, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) has issued a stern 48-hour ultimatum to the federal government, demanding urgent repairs or risking a complete shutdown of the road.
Led by SUG President Mary Abiodun, the students stormed the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) office in Ado Ekiti, brandishing placards with powerful messages like “FG, reconstruct Oye-Ikole road now!” and “Safe roads; safe lives!” Their protest was ignited by the tragic death of Ohonsi Williams Ehigie, a final-year student who was on campus for clearance when he met his untimely demise.
This incident is just one of many; over ten students have reportedly died in accidents on this notorious route in the past 3 years.The Oye-Ikole road is not just a local issue; it serves as a vital link between Abuja and several southwestern states. Heavy-duty vehicles frequently traverse this road, including petroleum tankers and trucks carrying Dangote Cement. The deteriorating state of this major road has turned it into a daily death trap for students and residents alike.
During the protest, Abiodun condemned FERMA’s negligence, stating, “We can no longer endure the brutal loss of our students due to improper road maintenance.” The students are demanding immediate action to repair potholes and ensure the road’s safety. If their demands are not met within 48 hours, they have vowed to occupy the road, making it impassable for other users.FERMA’s response has been lackluster at best.
While officials claim that reconstruction plans have been approved and contractors will soon mobilize to the site, students remain skeptical. They have witnessed too many empty promises and are determined to hold the government accountable.In addition to road safety, students are also grappling with ongoing power outages in their communities. Many have resorted to paying exorbitant fees to charge their devices at local businesses due to persistent blackouts.
This double burden of poor infrastructure and unreliable electricity has left students feeling neglected and frustrated.As tensions rise, FUOYE students are rallying support from other student bodies across Nigeria. Their message is clear: enough is enough! The time for action is now. They refuse to stand idly by while lives continue to be endangered and dreams cut short by negligence.
