Tragedy has struck communities along the Ataobong Bypass section of the Phase IV East-West Road project in Akwa Ibom State, with two people reportedly killed in building collapses allegedly linked to flooding.
The deaths have now triggered a N1bn legal battle, as affected families dragged the Federal Government, the construction company handling the project and others before the Eket High Court.
The families alleged that construction work on the road altered the natural flow of rainwater, sending floodwaters into residential areas and causing houses to collapse.
One of the victims, identified as Isaac Nkenyie, was reportedly killed when his house caved in during a night downpour.
A child from a neighbouring family, the Etitos, was also said to have died after a similar building collapse.
For Nkenyie’s widow, Rita, the tragedy has left her struggling to feed and educate her children after losing the family breadwinner.
She said the collapse destroyed their home and left her with no place to stay with the children, adding that worsening financial hardship forced her to withdraw them from a private school and enrol them in a public primary school.
The families, led by Daniel Sunday Etukudoh, Monday Edoho, Anietie Henry Edoho and Miriam Ekaso, are seeking N1bn in damages in suit No. HEK/20/2026.
Named as defendants are the Minister of Works, David Umahi; Gitto Construczioni General Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the project; the Akwa Ibom State Government; and Iniama and Partners, the firm engaged in property valuation for compensation.
The claimants accused the defendants of taking over their lands without adequate compensation, saying they had suffered trauma, loss of property, loved ones, businesses and other resources.
They are also asking the court to compel the defendants to pay compensation for affected lands and houses already assessed and marked for payment.
The families further want the court to stop what they described as selective compensation payments to some property owners while others remain unpaid.
Reacting to the legal action, James Iniama, Managing Partner of Iniama and Partners, confirmed that compensation payments to owners affected by the bypass had started but were later halted.
Iniama said he was prepared to explain what happened if questioned, insisting that he would give an honest account of the matter.
He also said he was unaware of the reason the payments to some affected property owners were stopped.
Counsel to the claimants, Eyibio Okon, said the families were determined to pursue the case to its logical conclusion and secure justice for the bereaved and other affected property owners.
The matter has been adjourned until October 20, 2026, for hearing.
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