Forgotten Community, Broken Promises: Ebu Residents Send SOS to Government

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Residents of Ebu Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have expressed deep frustration over what they describe as decades of government neglect, broken promises and lack of basic infrastructure, warning that their continued patience is rapidly running out.

For many years, the people of the agrarian community have remained loyal supporters of successive governments, participating actively in elections and placing their hopes in promises of development.
However, residents say the dividends of democracy have remained largely absent from their community.

Today, Ebu presents a picture of abandonment, with dilapidated roads, crumbling school buildings, inadequate healthcare facilities and growing security concerns dominating discussions among residents.

The situation recently worsened following heavy rainfall, which completely cut off the community's major access road, leaving residents stranded and further exposing the extent of infrastructural decay in the area.

Community members said the development has disrupted economic activities, hindered movement and made life increasingly difficult for farmers, traders, students and other residents who depend on the road for their daily livelihoods.

At the centre of the community's grievances is the Ebu–Ezi–Ukala Road, a strategic route which residents describe as being in a deplorable condition. According to them, years of neglect have transformed the road into a major obstacle to development and economic growth.

Speaking on the plight of the community, residents lamented that the poor state of the road has negatively affected access to education, healthcare services and markets, while also exposing the area to security threats.
They alleged that criminal elements, including suspected herdsmen, often exploit the difficult terrain and limited accessibility of the area to carry out unlawful activities, thereby increasing fear among residents.

Beyond the road infrastructure, community leaders and residents say Ebu continues to suffer from inadequate social amenities. They pointed to the deteriorating condition of schools, lack of modern healthcare facilities, no electricity supply and absence of other critical infrastructure needed for meaningful development.

Many residents expressed disappointment that despite repeated appeals and promises made over the years, nothing has changed in the community.

According to them, the recent outcry is not merely about bad roads but a collective demand for justice, inclusion and government attention after decades of perceived marginalisation.
They urged the Federal and Delta State Government and relevant authorities to immediately intervene by reconstructing Ebu- Illah- Ogbolu road and Ebu–Ezi–Ukala Road and addressing other pressing developmental challenges confronting the community.

The residents warned that continued neglect could further worsen economic hardship and social challenges in the area.

Ebu is bleeding and urgently needs government attention, a community stakeholder said. "We have waited for decades. What we need now are visible actions and not more promises."

As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, residents insist that development, rather than political rhetoric, will determine how they engage with political leaders seeking their support.