East-West Road: Two die as families sue FG, contractor for N1bn

Two people have reportedly died after alleged flooding and building collapses linked to the ongoing Phase IV construction of the East-West Road in Akwa Ibom State, with affected families demanding N1 billion in damages from the federal government and other defendants.

The affected residents are from the Ataobong Bypass area of the project, where they alleged that construction works altered the natural flow of rainwater into residential areas, causing flooding and damaging properties.

According to a report by PUNCH, the families consequently approached a state high court in Eket, suing the Minister of Works, David Umahi; Gitto Construczioni General Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the project; the Akwa Ibom State Government; and Iniama and Partners, the estate valuers involved in the compensation process.

The suit, marked HEK/20/2026, was filed by Daniel Sunday Etukudoh, Monday Edoho, Anietie Henry Edoho and Miriam Ekaso on behalf of affected families.

The claimants are demanding N1billion in general damages for what they described as “trauma, loss of resources, loss of loved ones and loss of businesses over the years as a result of taking their lands without compensation.”

They are also seeking an order compelling the defendants to pay compensation for lands and houses already valued and marked for payment.

The families further want the court to restrain the defendants from carrying out “any form of selective payment of compensation” to affected property owners.

PUNCH reported that residents alleged that the road construction altered the direction of rainwater, leaving adjoining communities vulnerable to flooding and resulting in building collapses.

One of the deceased, identified as Isaac Nkenyie, was reportedly killed when his house collapsed during a night rainfall.

A child from a neighbouring family, identified as the Etitos, was also reportedly killed when a building collapsed.

Rita Nkenyie, widow of the deceased, said the incident had left her family struggling to survive.

“Since our house collapsed in the night and killed my husband, I have no place to live with my children. We don’t even have food to eat. My husband was the breadwinner,” she was quoted as saying.

She said she had been unable to afford her children’s school fees and had withdrawn them from a private school, enrolling them in a public primary school.

Compensation dispute

James Iniama, managing partner of Iniama and Partners, said compensation payments to some property owners affected by the East-West Road bypass had commenced but were later halted.

“You know me very well that I do my business honestly. If I am interrogated on this matter, I will say it as it happened without fear or favour,” Mr Iniama told PUNCH on Sunday.

He said he did not know why the compensation payments were stopped.

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The development has added a compensation dispute to concerns over the impact of the road project on residents whose properties fall within or around the project corridor.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that as of 2013, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs had said that N141 billion would be required to complete the East-West road.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Eyibio Okon, said the families would pursue the case to its logical conclusion.

“There must be justice for all parties in the case and we are out to ensure that there is justice for all,” Mr Okon said.

The lawyer said the case had been adjourned until 20 October for hearing.