By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, has promptly moved to avert tragedy and ensure the safety of motorists following the dangerous partial collapse of the every-busy Onitsha–Owerri Expressway, by the Ozubulu axis, Ekwusigo Local Government Area.
The collapse, which reportedly happened over the week, was said to have been caused by a combined force of heavy flood and erosion gully in the area, and had post a very serious risk to motorists plying the road.
However, responding swiftly to a distress call over the incident, operatives of the RS5.36 Oraifite Unit Command of the FRSC, acting under the directive of the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, immediately mobilized to the scene to forestall accidents and manage the situation.
The FRSC team, working in collaboration with Tamaic Construction Company, the Ekwusigo Local Government Mayor and his team, and officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, took coordinated action to restore order and enhance safety around the affected portion of the highway. The joint team swiftly erected barricades, realigned traffic diversions, and implemented control measures to ensure smooth vehicular movement and protect unsuspecting drivers, especially at night.
According to reports, the gully erosion, worsened by recent torrential rainfall, had eaten deep into one side of the road, creating a dangerous cavity that left motorists constrained to a single lane.
Concerned citizens had earlier raised alarm over the life-threatening condition, prompting immediate response from the FRSC and other relevant authorities.
It was gathered that during the emergency operation, the Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, accompanied by his field engineers, also visited the site for an on-the-spot assessment to determine the extent of the damage and map out urgent intervention steps to prevent further deterioration.
Speaking after the visit, Corps Commander Asekhauno reaffirmed the FRSC’s commitment to protecting lives and property on Anambra roads. She commended the swift synergy among all stakeholders involved, describing it as a model of effective inter-agency collaboration for public safety.
She specifically commended the collaborative response of Tamaic Construction Company, the Mayor of Ekwusigo Local Government Area, and the Federal Ministry of Works in managing the situation, while also reassuring that the Corps remains fully committed to preventing road crashes and maintaining safe traffic flow.
Asekhauno further use the opportunity urged motorists plying the Ozubulu section of the Onitsha–Owerri Road to exercise utmost caution, obey all traffic signs, and cooperate with road safety officials as remedial works progress. She emphasized that maintaining discipline and patience on the road was critical to avoiding avoidable crashes during this period.
The FRSC reiterated its readiness to continue monitoring the situation closely in collaboration with the relevant authorities and other partners until full rehabilitation of the affected road segment is completed.
