Tragedy has once again struck Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, as an HNDI student of Biological Science Department, Miss Faith Asukwo lost her life on Monday, 18th August, 2025 in a motor accident, a painful reminder of the dangers posed by the deplorable state of the Aba-Ikot Ekpene road leading to the state-owned institution.
The young girl, who only left home with the hope of pursuing her studies, now lies lifeless in the mortuary. Her death, like many others, is a direct consequence of government negligence and failure to fix a road that has claimed too many innocent lives, particularly students.
For years, both federal and state governments have turned a blind eye to the cries of students and residents.
Recalled that properties were mapped out for full road dualization but was abandoned, with no compensation paid to host communities. Instead, they choose “road maintenance” which has worsened the situation, making the road deadlier than before.
It is heartbreaking that because none of the children of those in power athis institution, of course they live in their comfort zone at Ewet Housing or Shelter Afrique, they have continued to ignore the plight of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic students whereby, treating them with silence and indifference.
On Thursday, August 7, 2025, two lives, a man and a woman were crushed to death in a truck accident along the same route, and till now they remain unidentified.
That same Monday August 18th, another accident occurred around the market area which nearly claimed the life of another student but God intervened. Also on Thursday 14th, passengers in a commercial bus from Aba ti Ikot Ekpene all lost their lives when a truck driver collided with them. January 2024 will never be forgotten as the Institution was thrown into tears over the tragic demise of two bright stars from the Department of Science Laboratory Technology or is it the one that happened 24th April this year that claimed the life of a student with her unborn child?
How many more lives must be wasted before urgent action is taken? Will parents continue burying their children before the government springs into action?
Why are we dwelling in lip service, rather than taking formidable action.
However, given that this is a federal highway without full dualization, there is a need for a SPEED BUMP, especially in areas leading to the institution, to help curb speeding by truck drivers and other road users. These speed bumps must be situated from the school gate all the way to Ikot Inyang where students reside so as to curb these incessant deaths.
The death of this innocent girl must not be in vain. Her story should be the turning point for urgent intervention between the state and federal government.
