By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Thousands of youths from northern Cross River State have suspended their one-week blockade of the dilapidated Ikom–Obudu federal highway after assurances that the road’s rehabilitation has been included in the 2026 federal budget. However, they warned that a tougher phase of protest could resume if authorities fail to act.
The protesters, drawn from Obanliku, Etung, Obudu, Ikom, and Boki local government areas, had barricaded sections of the 115-kilometre highway daily using palm fronds and other materials to highlight its poor condition.
They accused both federal and state authorities of neglecting the strategic road, which they said has remained largely impassable for nearly 40 years, disrupting commerce and worsening hardships in agrarian communities.
Residents Demand Action
Dr Martins Assam, a youth leader from Boki LGA, described the initial blockade as a warning. “Last week was only a warning protest,” he said. “If machinery is not deployed soon, we will embark on a more extensive blockade until government intervenes. We are only asking to be treated fairly and given access to a motorable road.”
Protesters cited repeated accidents along the highway, including a recent case where a pregnant woman reportedly died with her unborn child after being stranded on the road.
Mr Paul Alobo, who lost his leg in an accident along the highway, appealed for urgent intervention. “I don’t want many more of our people to be like me. Government should redeem us from this terrible suffering, where people now spend six to seven hours instead of 20 to 30 minutes to travel to nearby areas,” he said.
Reverend Father Francis Amaozo of St. Nicholas Parish, Nashua, Boki LGA, also lamented decades of neglect. “Enough is now enough. We’ve been betrayed by our representatives and other leaders. I have lost so many members on this road,” he said.
Federal Government’s Response
Victor Abang, member representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, confirmed that the federal government has plans to rehabilitate the highway. “Adequate provision has been made for the road in the 2026 budget,” he said, urging the youths to suspend further blockades.
Abang added that the state governor, Prince Bassey Otu, and National Assembly members from Cross River have made representations to the federal government to ensure prompt action.
The youths have promised to monitor the project closely and warned that failure to commence work could trigger a more disruptive phase of protests, including prolonged road blockades and resistance to government activities.