East-West Road: Two die as families slam N1bn suit against FG, firm

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. Photo:File

Two persons have reportedly died following the alleged flooding of residential areas along the Ataobong Bypass area of the Phase IV East-West Road project in Akwa Ibom State.

The deaths have led affected families to drag the Federal Government and the construction firm handling the project before the Eket High Court, demanding N1bn in damages.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the project, awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works to Gitto Construczioni General Nigeria Limited, allegedly altered the flow of rainwater into residential areas, resulting in flooding and the collapse of buildings.

A resident, Isaac Nkenyie, was reportedly killed when his house collapsed during a night rainfall, while a child belonging to a neighbouring family, the Etitos, also died in a similar building collapse.

Speaking with PUNCH Metro by telephone on Sunday, the deceased’s widow, Rita Isaac Nkenyie, lamented the hardship her family had faced since the incident.

“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. I cannot afford school fees for the children. I have withdrawn them from a private school to the Government Primary School. The worst is that we are facing hunger daily,” she said.

The affected families, led by Daniel Sunday Etukudoh, Monday Edoho, Anietie Henry Edoho and Miriam Ekaso, sued the Minister of Works, David Umahi; Gitto Construczioni General Nigeria Limited; the Akwa Ibom State Government; and Iniama and Partners, the estate valuers engaged in the compensation process.

In suit No. HEK/20/2026 filed before the Eket High Court, the claimants are seeking N1bn in general damages for “trauma, loss of resources, loss of loved ones and loss of businesses over the years as a result of taking their lands without compensation.”

• FG targets 200 new telecom sites before December
• Minister reiterates FG’s push for nationwide fibre expansion
• JPMorgan relisting: FG projects $17.5bn inflow

They are also seeking an order compelling the defendants to pay compensation for lands and houses already valued and marked for payment, as well as an injunction restraining the defendants from “carrying out any form of selective payment of compensation.”

Reacting to the suit, the Managing Partner of Iniama and Partners, James Iniama, told PUNCH Metro that compensation payments for property owners affected by the East-West Road bypass had commenced but were later stopped.

“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,” he said.

Iniama added that he did not know why compensation payments to other affected property owners were stopped.

Counsel for the plaintiffs, Eyibio Okon, said the case would be pursued to a logical conclusion to ensure justice for the bereaved families and other affected property owners.

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

Okon added that the matter had been adjourned until October 20, 2026, for hearing.