By Fabian Apechihin

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the arrest of the contractor handling the ₦14bn Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha road project over alleged abandonment of the project.

Umahi expressed anger over the condition of the road and warned that the failure to address the situation could lead to a catastrophic incident.

“The Ministry does not have an emergency fund to attend to this, and if this is not attended to, it can result in a catastrophic situation. I am visibly very angry about this situation, and it is unacceptable,” the minister said.

Following the inspection, Umahi directed that immediate repairs be carried out on the affected sections of the road.

He also ordered the ministry to strengthen security around the Second Niger Bridge to prevent further theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure.

As part of the new security measures, solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras are to be installed around the bridge. Umahi directed that the CCTV system should be accessible to designated officials of the Ministry of Works and relevant security agencies to enable effective monitoring of suspicious activities.

The Second Niger Bridge has previously experienced damage to its expansion joints and other components. In 2024, Umahi condemned the destruction of the bridge’s expansion joints and ordered their repair, alongside stronger security measures.

Similarly, in 2023, parts of the bridge’s road fittings were reportedly stolen, prompting the Federal Government to increase surveillance around the facility.

During Wednesday’s inspection, the minister also assessed erosion around the Second Niger Bridge and directed that remedial work commence immediately to prevent further deterioration and possible damage to the infrastructure.

The Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha route is a major transportation corridor in the region, facilitating the movement of people and goods between Delta and Anambra states.

The Federal Ministry of Works is expected to follow up on the arrest directive, investigate the alleged abandonment of the project and audit the contractor’s project records.

The ministry will also monitor the emergency repairs and ensure the planned installation of solar lighting and CCTV cameras around the bridge is implemented.

• As Agency Holds One-day Community Dialogue Programme

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has taken another step towards preventing farmer-herder conflicts and strengthening security in rural communities with a one-day community sensitisation and dialogue programme.

The programme, organised by the Agro-Rangers Unit of the Command, was held at the NSCDC Kwara State Command Headquarters, Ilorin, under the theme, “Community Sensitisation on Agricultural Security and Conflict Prevention in Kwara State.”

The engagement brought together farmers, herders, community leaders, Agro-Rangers personnel and other stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting agricultural communities and practical ways of preventing conflicts.

Declaring the programme open, the Kwara State Commandant, Commandant Abbas Ndah Mohammed, said the protection of agricultural communities requires continuous engagement and cooperation among farmers, herders, community leaders and security agencies.

He urged farmers and herders to maintain peaceful relations and resolve disputes through dialogue, while calling on community members to report early signs of conflict and other security concerns to the appropriate authorities.

The Commandant also highlighted the role of the Corps’ specialised Agro-Rangers Unit, saddled with providing security support for agricultural communities, protecting farmlands and investments, and supporting efforts to prevent and address farmer-herder conflicts.

The interactive session gave participants the opportunity to share their experiences and raise concerns about security and other challenges affecting their communities. Issues raised included the need for better communication, early intervention in disputes and stronger cooperation between communities and security agencies.

The concerns were addressed during the engagement, with stakeholders discussing practical approaches to improving peaceful coexistence, protecting agricultural activities and preventing disputes from escalating into violence.

Other speakers at the programme also called for greater community participation, timely information sharing and peaceful resolution of disputes.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have rescued the traditional ruler of Igbesi community in Isin local government area of the State, Oba Moses Oyinloye who was abducted on August 22, 2026.

It’s recalled that Oba Oyinloye was abducted by the armed bandits who invaded Igbesi community on the fateful day.

Though sources claimed that some residents were kidnapped alongside the monarch, the state commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi said it was only Oba Oyinloye that was abducted by the bandits.

Sources in Igbesi community told newsmen yesterday that the monarch had been rescued alongside two other victims.

The sources said that the rescue operation was carried out by the police in Oro Division and some members of the local vigilance group.

When contacted, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi confirmed that his men in Kwara South axis rescued the monarch from the kidnappers’ den, alongside two other victims.

He said the monarch was receiving treatment at an hospital in Oro, Irepodun local government area of the state.

“Yes, the Onigbesi has been rescued by the policemen from the kidnappers’ hideout . He’s receiving treatment at an hospital in Oro. This is all I can tell you for now,” Adekimi said.