Repeated Truck Accidents: Oborevwori Directs Safety-First Response on Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba Road

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s preference for comprehensive road safety measures over punitive sanctions in addressing the recurring accidents involving articulated trucks along the Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba corridor, particularly around the Ubu Bridge axis on the newly constructed Ughelli–Asaba dual carriageway.

 

The position of the state government was disclosed by the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, who stated that the administration’s response is driven by a safety-first philosophy designed to reduce accidents without disrupting the free movement of goods and services across the state and the wider South-South region.

 

Ejes Gist News reports that the Oborevwori administration has resolved to implement decisive, evidence-based interventions that strengthen compliance with traffic regulations, improve driver discipline, and address operational risks associated with heavy-duty vehicles on the busy corridor.

 

Commissioner Izeze explained that while the frequency of accidents involving articulated trucks has raised legitimate public concern, the state government is determined to avoid knee-jerk policies that could negatively affect commerce, logistics, and regional connectivity.

 

He noted that the administration’s approach aligns with global best practices, which emphasise preventive safety enforcement rather than outright bans or restrictive sanctions that often shift problems elsewhere without addressing root causes.

According to the Commissioner, the government believes that sustained safety interventions, when properly enforced, are more effective in reducing accidents than punitive restrictions that may encourage non-compliance or economic bottlenecks.

Planned Safety Interventions on the Corridor

The Delta State Government has outlined a range of safety-focused measures aimed at curbing the recurring incidents involving articulated trucks along the Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba stretch.

These measures include:

• Stricter enforcement of existing traffic regulations governing speed limits and vehicle conduct
• Enhanced speed control mechanisms along critical sections of the corridor
• Routine operational and mechanical checks on articulated trucks plying the route
• Increased monitoring by traffic and road safety agencies at identified risk points

Commissioner Izeze emphasised that these interventions are designed to improve driver behaviour and vehicle roadworthiness, rather than punish operators indiscriminately.

 

The renewed safety push follows a spate of accidents involving articulated trucks on the corridor, which has generated concern among motorists and residents, particularly because the road was recently completed and is widely praised for its quality.

 

The Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba road features smooth pavement, modern drainage systems, and improved road markings, elements that ordinarily support safe and efficient traffic flow.

 

Despite these features, articulated truck crashes have continued to occur, raising questions about driver behaviour, vehicle condition, and operational practices rather than the structural integrity of the road itself.

Seventeenth Recorded Accident Since Road Completion

Commissioner Izeze disclosed that the most recent accident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, bringing the total number of recorded articulated truck incidents on the Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba stretch to seventeen since the road was completed.

The latest incident took place near the Ubu Bridge, an area that has become a focal point of public attention due to repeated crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles.

Eyewitnesses reported that the articulated truck lost control while approaching the bridge, tilted, and partially obstructed the carriageway. No fatalities or serious injuries were recorded, a development the Commissioner described as fortunate given the potential severity of such accidents.

Driver’s Account and Public Reaction

According to information provided by authorities at the scene, the truck driver attributed the accident to mechanical failure, stating that the gear selector failed to engage a lower gear while navigating the approach to the bridge.

The driver reportedly dismissed suggestions of fatigue and described the incident as an act of destiny. However, this explanation has done little to reassure the public, particularly in light of the frequency of similar incidents occurring at the same location.

Residents and regular users of the corridor have continued to express concern that repeated mechanical failure claims point to deeper issues related to vehicle maintenance, pre-trip inspections, and regulatory enforcement.

Warning Signs and Speed Limit Compliance

Commissioner Izeze noted that the state government had previously taken proactive steps to improve safety at the Ubu Bridge axis, including the installation of clearly visible warning signs and speed limit notices on both approaches to the bridge.

These installations were carried out months earlier at the directive of Governor Oborevwori, following earlier incidents involving articulated trucks.

Despite these measures, the Commissioner observed that many articulated truck drivers continue to disregard posted warnings and speed limits, significantly increasing the risk of accidents, particularly on approach to the bridge.

 

Governor Oborevwori, according to Izeze, has consistently maintained that Delta State must avoid policies that could be interpreted as restricting the free movement of goods and services.

The Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba corridor serves as a major artery for commercial transport, linking multiple regions and supporting economic activity across state lines.

Outright restrictions on articulated trucks, the Commissioner explained, could have unintended consequences, including increased transport costs, supply chain disruptions, and economic strain on businesses that rely on road-based logistics.

Importance of Driver Discipline and Enforcement

Central to the state government’s strategy is the belief that improved driver discipline, backed by consistent enforcement, can significantly reduce accidents without resorting to blanket bans.

The Commissioner stressed that compliance with speed limits, adherence to warning signs, and proper vehicle maintenance are non-negotiable responsibilities for operators of heavy-duty vehicles.

He added that enforcement agencies would intensify their presence and oversight on the corridor to ensure that safety rules are observed and that violations are addressed promptly.

Strategic Role of the Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba Corridor

The Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba road has emerged as one of the busiest interstate routes in the South-South region, serving as a critical transit link for articulated trucks moving goods from the North, East, and South-West.

From Asaba and Ughelli, the corridor provides access to major commercial destinations, including Effurun, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Akwa Ibom, and Calabar.

This strategic importance has resulted in heavy daily traffic, placing sustained pressure on the road and underscoring the need for robust safety management tailored to high-volume, heavy-duty vehicle use.