For residents of Egbejila Community in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, the only access road connecting villages and hamlets under the community is a source of nightmare.

For years, they have cried out and made persistent pleas to the government to tar the over 40 kilometre road. What they have however got in return was mere promise which they are uncertain when it would materialize. This was the dilemma of the inhabitants of Egbejila, a sprawling community in Kwara state which has over the years grown in leaps and bounds with people relocating to the community.

Daily Trust on Sunday visited the community adjacent Ilorin International Airport. The entrance to the popular Egbejila road is a beehive of activities. It is largely populated by commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada who mostly ply the road from the junction to towns and villages in the area.

A tour of the road revealed that about 10 villages are under Egbejila community and this include Boluwaji, Temidire, Obanisuwa, Egbejila, Ajegunle, Eru Oba, Budo Kawu, among others. No fewer than five filling stations were built along the road but only one is operating while the others are under lock and key for fear of attacks by armed robbers because of the bad state of the road, it was learnt.

Plying the road has been a nightmare for residents and visitors alike. From the junction to the various towns and villages around the area, there are ditches and potholes at every spot. Only the motorcyclists find it convenient navigating the road. For motorists, plying the road is like going through hell. But residents of the area say they have continued to endure it for years since they have no alternative.

The long-stretch road links Asa Dam, the state House of Assembly and Offa Garage. Daily Trust correspondent reports that the road when opened up would decongest the usual traffic gridlock at Geri Alimi roundabout. Motorists heading to the airport would then bypass Geri Alimi, thereby easing congestion in the area.

"That's what we have been saying that this road is not going to serve only those of us who live around here. Even the government would benefit a lot from rehabilitating this road", said a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity.