A concerned road user has raised alarm over a series of large, waterlogged potholes on a major road in Bayelsa State, warning that the neglected stretch has become a serious danger to motorists and pedestrians.
In a video circulating online, the man is heard expressing shock and frustration as he slowly navigates the damaged section of the road. The footage shows vehicles swerving abruptly to avoid deep craters filled with muddy water, while smaller cars crawl through the worst spots at great risk to their tyres and suspensions.
The man filming the scene repeatedly calls attention to the size and depth of the potholes, describing them as traps that could cause accidents, especially at night or during heavy rainfall when visibility is poor. He appeals to the authorities to urgently intervene before lives are lost.
Residents and regular users of the route say the problem has persisted for months, worsening with each rainfall. Commercial drivers complain that the bad road has increased their maintenance costs and travel time, while some report that vehicles have broken down or been damaged after hitting the hidden craters.
Local traders also lament that the deteriorating road discourages customers from coming into the area, affecting their daily income. Some residents say they now avoid the route entirely, opting for longer alternative roads to stay safe.
Road safety advocates in the state have repeatedly warned that poorly maintained roads contribute significantly to crashes, especially in areas where there is no proper signage or street lighting. They argue that timely repairs and proper drainage would prevent roads from collapsing to this extent.
The video has sparked renewed calls on the Bayelsa State government and relevant agencies to carry out immediate palliative work on the affected stretch and to develop a long-term plan for comprehensive rehabilitation. Commenters online insist that major roads should not be allowed to deteriorate to the point where they resemble abandoned tracks.
For now, the man’s video stands as a stark reminder of the daily risks faced by commuters in the area, and of the urgent need for authorities to respond before the damaged road claims lives or causes a major accident.