NUJ Warri Decries “Death Trap”on Effurun-Sapele Road, Cult-related Killings, Tankers, Flooding Menace

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Warri Correspondents’ Chapel has raised alarm over the deteriorating state of infrastructure, worsening insecurity, traffic chaos and flooding in Warri, Effurun and other parts of Delta State.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the chapel’s monthly congress held in Warri and signed by the Communique Drafting Committee represented by Omonigho Mathew, Onyekachukwu Meluwa and Mrs. Success Okuchemiya respectively.

The congress expressed serious concern over the deplorable condition of the Effurun/Sapele Road, particularly from the Mercyland stretch to the Effurun Roundabout in Uvwie Local Government Area.

Members observed that the road had deteriorated into a death trap due to deep potholes, failed sections and poor drainage, posing serious risks to motorists, commercial transport operators, pedestrians and residents.

“Congress noted that the condition of the road had continued to cause avoidable road crashes, vehicle breakdowns, daily traffic congestion and untold hardship for commuters and businesses,” the communiqué stated.

While acknowledging that construction work is ongoing, the chapel called on relevant authorities to ensure orderliness on the axis.

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The union also decried persistent traffic congestion and environmental nuisance around Mami Market, adjoining roundabouts and the Mercyland axis.

It noted that indiscriminate parking of petroleum tankers, articulated vehicles and other heavy-duty trucks along the road has obstructed free-flow of traffic and endangered road users.

Congress called on the Delta State Government, Uvwie Local Government Council, FRSC, the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies to enforce traffic regulations, evacuate illegally parked tankers and trucks, and relocate traders operating on road shoulders.

The chapel further drew attention to recurring flooding, especially along the Refinery Road corridor. It blamed blocked drains, poor road infrastructure and inadequate drainage systems for the hardship and destruction of property during heavy downpours, and urged the state government to undertake urgent desilting and construct effective drainage channels.

Expressing deep concern over rising cult-related and other criminal activities across Warri and neighbouring communities, the NUJ condemned the senseless killings and destruction of property.

It called on the Delta State Police Command and other security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and ensure all perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

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The congress also condemned the rising wave of political violence in parts of Delta State ahead of future political activities. It urged politicians, parties and supporters to embrace issue-based politics and shun violence, while appealing to security agencies to remain impartial and proactive.

The union called on governments at all levels to pay greater attention to infrastructure development, environmental sanitation, public safety and youth empowerment as measures to reduce unemployment, crime and social unrest.

The chapel reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism, press freedom, good governance and its watchdog role in society.