Oborevwori Prioritises Road Safety As Articulated Truck Crashes Persist — Izeze
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed that his administration will prioritise road safety and preventive measures rather than punitive sanctions as articulated truck accidents continue to occur around the Ubu Bridge axis of the newly completed Ughelli–Asaba dual carriageway.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, stated this in a clarification on the government’s position following another accident involving an articulated truck on December 30, 2025 — the 17th incident recorded on the Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba stretch since completion of the project.
Izeze said the governor’s approach is guided by the need to ensure free movement of goods and services, in line with global standards, while strengthening safety enforcement, discipline and compliance on the busy transit corridor.
According to him, the state is set to intensify Stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, Speed control measures, and Routine operational checks on articulated vehicles.
He stressed that the administration would avoid measures that could be interpreted as restricting interstate commerce, even as safety concerns rise.
Izeze appealed to engineers, transport professionals, road safety experts and concerned citizens to submit pro bono technical suggestions aimed at achieving zero accidents on the route.
“This is not a request for consultancy services. It is an invitation for public-spirited ideas that can save lives and protect our infrastructure,” he said.
Eyewitnesses reported that the latest accident occurred when a truck lost control while descending toward the Ubu Bridge, tilting and partially blocking the road. No fatalities were recorded.
The driver attributed the crash to a mechanical malfunction involving the gear selector, although residents remain worried given the frequency of similar cases, despite visible warning signs and speed limit indicators installed at the governor’s directive.
The Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba route has become one of the busiest interstate truck corridors in the South-South, serving vehicles moving from the North, East and South-West into Warri, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Akwa Ibom and Calabar.
This heavy load has increased pressure on the road despite its high construction quality and modern drainage system around the Ubu Bridge.
Residents acknowledge the transformational impact of Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructure drive but continue to call for tougher enforcement and continuous driver sensitisation to prevent avoidable mishaps.
As investigations into the latest incident continue, stakeholders are urging immediate improvements in compliance, surveillance and public awareness to ensure that the benefits of the multi-billion-naira road project are not eroded by recurring accidents.
