Families Sue FG and Contractor Over Fatal Flooding on Akwa Ibom East-West Road Project
Two families in Akwa Ibom State have instituted legal action against the Federal Government and Gitto Construczioni General Nigeria Limited over alleged flooding caused by the Phase IV East-West Road project, which reportedly led to the deaths of two persons and destruction of residential properties along the Ataobong Bypass.
The suit, filed before the Eket High Court and marked HEK/20/2026, seeks ₦1 billion in damages for trauma, loss of lives, destruction of property, and economic hardship suffered by the claimants. The plaintiffs argue that the project, awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works, altered natural water flow, resulting in flooding and collapse of residential buildings.
One of the victims, Isaac Nkenyie, died when his house collapsed during heavy rainfall, while a child from the Etito family also lost his life in a similar incident. The widows and affected families, now displaced, allege that the government and contractors failed to provide compensation despite valuation of their lands and properties.
“Since our house collapsed in the night and killed my husband, I have no place to live with my children. We don’t even have food to eat. My husband was the breadwinner. I cannot afford school fees for the children. I have withdrawn them from a private school to the Government Primary School. The worst is that we are facing hunger daily,” the deceased’s widow, Rita Isaac Nkenyie, said.
The affected families, led by Daniel Sunday Etukudoh, Monday Edoho, Anietie Henry Edoho and Miriam Ekaso, sued the Minister of Works, David Umahi; Gitto Construczioni General Nigeria Limited; the Akwa Ibom State Government; and Iniama and Partners, the estate valuers engaged in the compensation process.
The claimants are seeking N1bn in general damages for “trauma, loss of resources, loss of loved ones and loss of businesses over the years as a result of taking their lands without compensation.”
They are also seeking an order compelling the defendants to pay compensation for lands and houses already valued and marked for payment, as well as an injunction restraining the defendants from “carrying out any form of selective payment of compensation.”
Reacting to the suit, James Iniama, Managing Partner of Iniama & Partners, acknowledged that compensation payments to property owners affected by the East-West Road bypass had indeed commenced but were subsequently halted.
He stated: “I conduct my business with honesty. If called upon to testify on this matter, I will present the facts exactly as they occurred, without fear or favour.
”Iniama further clarified that he was not informed of the reasons why compensation payments to other affected property owners were discontinued.
Counsel for the plaintiffs, Eyibio Okon, stressed that the matter raises constitutional questions under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates government to protect the lives and welfare of citizens. He vowed to pursue the case to its logical conclusion to secure justice for the bereaved families.
The case has been adjourned to October 20, 2026 for hearing.
