Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reiterated his administration’s resolve to place road safety ahead of punitive sanctions in tackling the persistent accidents involving articulated trucks along the Ubu Bridge axis in Ogwashi-Uku, on the newly completed Ughelli–Asaba dual carriageway.
The State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, made this known in an official statement, revealing that the government is set to roll out decisive safety-driven interventions to curb the increasing rate of heavy-duty vehicle crashes on the busy interstate corridor.
Safety-First Approach
According to Izeze, the Oborevwori administration’s strategy focuses on strengthened safety enforcement, rather than harsh punitive actions that could be misconstrued as impeding the free flow of goods and services across the state.
Planned interventions, he noted, will include:
Stricter enforcement of traffic regulations
Enhanced speed control mechanisms
Operational and safety checks on articulated trucks.
He also called for collective responsibility, urging road safety professionals, experts, and concerned citizens to voluntarily provide practical, pro bono recommendations to help achieve zero accidents on the corridor.
He emphasised that the appeal was not for consultancy services, but for public-spirited contributions geared toward protecting lives and preserving the state’s road infrastructure.
17th Recorded Crash Since Road Completion
The Commissioner disclosed that the latest incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, making it the seventeenth recorded accident involving articulated trucks on the Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba stretch since the road was completed.
Also see: Ex-Militants Slam NDDC Over Persistent Poverty in Oil-Producing Communities
The crash happened near the Ubu Bridge, an area known for its smooth pavement, modern drainage system, and scenic road aesthetics.
The drainage network was designed to channel runoff from the surrounding Ogwashi-Uku hills into roadside drains that lead to the Ubu River.
Eyewitnesses reported that the truck lost control while approaching the bridge, tilted, and partially obstructed the carriageway. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.
Driver’s Claim Raises Concerns
The truck driver blamed the accident on mechanical failure, alleging that his gear selector malfunctioned, preventing the truck from shifting into a lower gear on the bridge approach.
He dismissed claims of fatigue, describing the crash as an act of destiny and “destined by God.” However, the explanation has done little to calm public anxiety, considering the frequency of similar crashes on the same road section.
“Despite the installation of clearly visible warning signs and speed limit notices before and after the bridge on both approaches—installed months ago at the directive of Governor Oborevwori—many articulated truck drivers continue to disregard traffic regulations.”
He added that the Governor has consistently opposed actions that may be perceived as restricting economic movement, stressing that the government will continue to pursue compliance, driver discipline, and public safety education instead of imposing outright bans on truck movement.
A Major Interstate Transit Hub
The Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba corridor has become one of the most strategic and busiest interstate transit routes in the South-South region, serving articulated trucks moving from the North, East, and South-West through Delta to major commercial destinations including: Warri, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Calabar.
The massive volume of freight traffic has placed significant pressure on the road, even as the project continues to earn widespread praise for its construction quality and contribution to regional connectivity.
Residents Acknowledge Infrastructure Gains
Despite the spate of accidents, residents have commended the Governor’s infrastructure push, noting that the road’s delivery reflects his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance and socio-economic development.
Stakeholders Demand Stronger Enforcement
As investigations into the latest crash continue, stakeholders are renewing calls for:
More stringent enforcement of traffic laws
Improved driver discipline
Sustained public road safety awareness
These, they believe, will ensure that the transformative benefits of the road project are not diminished by avoidable mishaps.
