ACU BEGINS EXPANSION CLEARING OF AGWA–EJEMEKWURU ROAD, REFUTES CLAIMS LINKING PROJECT TO REP. EUGENE DIBIAGWU
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Rita Onuoha
The Agwa Central Union (ACU), the apex socio-cultural and development body of Agwa Clan in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, has commenced the long-awaited expansion clearing of the Agwa–Ejemekwuru Road in a renewed community-driven effort to improve security and enhance visibility along one of the area's most dangerous road corridors.
The clearing exercise officially began on Tuesday, July 8, 2026, with workers mobilized to different sections of the road to remove thick vegetation that has over the years narrowed the carriageway and provided cover for kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal elements.
The intervention is being executed by the Agwa Central Union in collaboration with its affiliated sister unions across Nigeria and the Agwa Diaspora Forum (ADF), with funding reportedly coming from voluntary contributions made by Agwa sons and daughters both at home and abroad.
The initiative is aimed at providing motorists and commuters with clearer visibility while travelling along the road, thereby reducing the opportunities for criminals who have repeatedly taken advantage of the dense bushes and deplorable condition of the road to attack travellers.
However, the commencement of the project has generated public discussion following reports circulating on social media claiming that the expansion clearing was being undertaken by Hon. Engr. Eugene Dibiagwu, the member representing Ohaji-Egbema, Oguta and Oru West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
An independent verification by Inside Agwa News, which was present at the project site during the commencement of the clearing exercise, established that the project is being executed by the Agwa Central Union and not by the federal lawmaker or any government agency.
Speaking during a telephone interview with Inside Agwa News, the President-General of the Agwa Central Union, Mr. Nduka Ozor, dismissed the claims and insisted that the project belongs entirely to the Agwa people through their apex union.
"The news you heard it is not the through position. The Agwa-Ejemekwuru road expansion clearing is done by Agwa Central Union. That is, Agwa sons and daughters donating for the job. This is not the first time we are doing it. Despite how bad the road is and the rate of kidnapping going on that route, ACU have repeatedly called the attention of the government to construct the road but it's still what it is. So, it's Agwa people doing it, not Dibiagwu, not the Government either."
Mr. Ozor explained that the clearing exercise forms part of a broader community development agenda designed to address pressing infrastructural challenges neglected over several years.
He disclosed that the union is also preparing to embark on another intervention project involving the cleanup and rehabilitation of the premises of Agwa Secondary School.
"ACU intent to also start the cleaning of Agwa Secondary School, another project that will take the attention of the people of Agwa since the government again, is yet to fix the only public Secondary school in Agwa, we won't allow it to collapse," he said.
Expressing appreciation to contributors, the ACU President-General commended Agwa sons and daughters for their commitment to community development.
"On behalf of the people of Agwa, I thank our people who has generously donated for the Agwa-Ejemekwuru road expansion clearing and other projects.
"We are still appealing to the government to fix Agwa roads. Because it is important to make this clear here that Agwa-Ejemekwuru road is not the only road that need construction. Agwa has several roads that leads to three local governments in Imo State, non is constructed, but emphasis on Agwa-Ejemekwuru road is because, it is our major road and criminal elements are taking advantage of the deplorable State of the road to commits all manner of crimes."
The Agwa–Ejemekwuru Road has for many years remained one of the worst federal access routes serving communities in the oil-rich Agwa Clan. The road serves as the principal gateway connecting Agwa to Ejemekwuru and providing access to several communities in Oguta, Ohaji-Egbema and neighbouring local government areas.
Its poor condition has continued to expose commuters to frequent attacks by kidnappers and armed robbers, particularly during the rainy season when deep gullies, potholes and overgrown vegetation force motorists to slow down or stop completely.
Residents say the deteriorating road has negatively affected commercial activities, agricultural transportation, education and access to healthcare services, while increasing transportation costs for residents and businesses.
Security experts and community development analysts have repeatedly warned that abandoned infrastructure creates opportunities for organised crime. According to public affairs analysts familiar with developments in the area, clearing the roadside vegetation may not completely eliminate criminal activities, but it significantly reduces hiding places for kidnappers and improves visibility for motorists and security patrol teams.
They maintain that while community self-help initiatives deserve commendation, they should not replace the constitutional responsibility of government to provide safe roads and public infrastructure.
Several analysts have also described the ACU intervention as another example of communities taking ownership of development in the face of prolonged government neglect, noting that similar self-help projects have emerged across different parts of southeastern Nigeria where public infrastructure has deteriorated.
The analysts further argued that sustained investment in road infrastructure, improved policing and increased government presence remain the most effective long-term solutions to insecurity along the corridor.
The deplorable condition of roads across Agwa has remained a major source of concern for residents over the years despite the community's status as an oil-producing area.
Community leaders have consistently lamented what they describe as inadequate government attention to critical infrastructure, insisting that the absence of good roads has contributed to economic hardship and rising insecurity.
Recent security incidents have further heightened these concerns. Among the most notable was the abduction of the traditional ruler of Mbano Agwa Autonomous Community, His Royal Highness, Eze Samuel Onuegbu (Eze Uguru), alongside a serving senior police officer, Umezuruike, along the Obeakuma–Amakohia Agwa Road. The incident sent shockwaves across the community, with the traditional ruler reportedly dying a few days after regaining his freedom.
Residents also recount numerous cases in which travellers, commercial drivers and farmers have either been kidnapped, robbed or killed while using the Agwa–Ejemekwuru Road, with families forced to raise millions of naira as ransom for victims.
Many community members believe that the expansion clearing currently being undertaken by the Agwa Central Union will improve visibility and reduce security risks pending comprehensive reconstruction of the road by the appropriate government authorities.
While applauding the patriotism and sacrifice demonstrated by Agwa sons and daughters in financing the intervention, stakeholders insist that permanent reconstruction of the Agwa–Ejemekwuru Road and other connecting roads remains the only lasting solution.
For many residents, the clearing exercise represents not just another community project but a strong message that despite years of neglect, the people of Agwa remain determined to safeguard their lives, protect their communities and continue advocating for the infrastructure they deserve.
