THERE was a return of free flow of traffic along the Oye-Ekiti-Ilupeju-Kabba road in Ekiti State on Thursday following emergency palliative works carried out by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

Nigerian Tribune had in a report detailed the plight of hundreds of articulated vehicles and trucks reportedly stranded for days along the Ifaki-Oye-Ilupeju axis as a result of the collapse of critical portions of the road, with motorists and other road users forced to endure prolonged delays and difficult travelling conditions.

The development brought temporary relief to motorists and travellers who had been subjected to days of hardship after the deteriorating section of the road became impassable, leaving several trucks and other vehicles stranded for days and causing a severe gridlock.

The intervention followed the visit of the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, to the affected section on Tuesday, where he issued a 48-hour directive for immediate remedial action to restore traffic movement.

A visit to the area by Nigerian Tribune correspondent on Thursday showed that the palliative works had significantly eased the situation, with vehicles moving freely along the previously difficult section of the highway.

A road user, Adekunle Ajayi expressed delight over the palliative works on the road, lamenting the negative effects of the failed section in the last few days.

He revealed that truck and other vehicles who were hitherto stucked along the road for days are now continuing their journey.

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“If you see what we faced along this road in the last one week, you will pity the people, it was a total standstill with no alternative route.

“But now with the palliative works by FERMA, it is better now and as you can see, vehicles are moving freely especially trucks.

“We hope the government will take advantage now and commence the total reconstruction of the road in the interest of the businesses and livelihood of the people and also security, “ he said.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Federal Controller of Works in Ekiti State, Engr. Wasiu Owolabi, confirmed that traffic had been restored following the intervention.

Owolabi commended the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for his leadership and proactive approach to addressing critical road challenges across the country.

He, however, appealed to residents and motorists to remain patient, stressing that the palliative measures were temporary pending the mobilisation of contractors for the full reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road.

According to him, the Federal Government is conscious of the economic and social importance of the road, which serves as a major link for the movement of people and goods across Ekiti and neighbouring states.

He assured road users that efforts were ongoing to ensure a lasting solution to the condition of the highway.