After enduring years of hardship due to the dilapidated state of the access roads linking their neighborhoods, they have officially declared their intention to embark on a peaceful protest slated for August 28, 2025, if urgent and comprehensive action is not taken.
This protest is not just a cry for help, it is a demand for dignity, infrastructure, and accountability from the Sapele/Okpe Community Leaders, SEPLAT Energy, and the Delta State Government.
The roads in question, particularly those stretching through Gana, Ugberikoko, and Oton, have become almost impassable, turning daily commutes into nightmares for residents, business owners, and schoolchildren. The situation is worsened during the rainy season, as potholes become craters and entire sections of the road are submerged or eroded.
These roads are not just local thoroughfares, they are critical arteries for commerce, education, and healthcare in the region.
A major point of contention is the frequent use of these roads by SEPLAT Energy, a leading oil and gas firm operating in the area. Residents allege that the deployment of heavy-duty equipment by the company has significantly contributed to the rapid deterioration of the roads.
Despite this, SEPLAT has not taken any visible steps toward repairing or maintaining the infrastructure they rely on. This perceived corporate neglect has fueled public outrage and added momentum to the planned protest.
“We are not against development or industry,” one community member stated. “But you cannot destroy our roads and leave us to suffer.”
The Sapele/Okpe Community Leaders and Delta State Government have also come under fire for what residents describe as a nonchalant attitude toward their plight. Despite numerous appeals, letters, and community meetings, there has been no comprehensive plan to reconstruct the roads.
While the Sapele Local Government Chairman, Hon. Bright Abeke, has initiated stone-based remedial work on some of the worst-hit spots severally, residents argue that this is merely a temporary fix because the stone would wash away during heavy rains and this does not address underlying structural issues, hence creating false hope without long-term solutions
The protest, scheduled for August 28, 2025, is being organized with legal backing. Letters of notification have been sent to:
- The Delta State Police Command, DSS, ARMY and Nany
- Sapele Local Government Council
- SEPLAT Energy
- Other relevant security agencies
This ensures that the protest will be peaceful, lawful, and protected under Nigeria’s constitutional right to freedom of assembly.
Protest Objectives:
- Demand full reconstruction of Gana, Ugberikoko road
- Hold SEPLAT Energy accountable for road degradation
- Call for transparency and action from community leaders
- Secure a timeline and budget for road rehabilitation
Residents have expressed their frustration and determination through various channels, including town hall meetings, social media campaigns, and press releases.
> “We’ve been patient for too long. Our children walk through mud to get to school. Our cars break down weekly. We are tired,” said Mrs. Ejiro, a local trader.
> “We appreciate Hon. Bright Abeke’s efforts, but we need more than stones. We need real roads,” added Mr. Okon, a commercial driver.
The situation in Sapele is not unique. Across Nigeria, infrastructure decay is a major challenge, particularly in oil-producing regions where resource extraction often outpaces development.
What the Residents Are Demanding
To avoid the protest, residents are calling for the following:
1. Immediate Actions:
- A public statement from SEPLAT Energy acknowledging their role
- A joint inspection of the road by government and community representatives
- A published timeline for full road reconstruction
2. Long-Term Solutions:
- Inclusion of the roads in the state’s capital infrastructure budget
- Engagement of qualified contractors for durable construction
- Regular maintenance plans and community monitoring
The people of Gana, Ugberikoko, and Oton are not asking for luxury, they are asking for basic infrastructure, for roads that don’t destroy their vehicles or endanger their children. They are asking for accountability from those who profit from their land and labor.
This protest is not just about roads, it’s about justice, dignity, and the right to live in a functional society. The time for silence is over. The time for action is now.
-Join the conversation. Share this article. Support the cause.
📅 Mark your calendar: August 28, 2025 — a date for action.
🛣️ Let’s pave the way for a better Sapele.
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