Two Dead as Families Sue FG and Construction Firm for N1bn

Two people have died after heavy flooding hit homes in the Ataobong Bypass area of the Phase IV East-West Road project in Akwa Ibom State.

These deaths have pushed the affected families to take the Federal Government and the construction company to court, asking for N1bn in damages.

According to PUNCH Metro, the Federal Ministry of Works gave the project to Gitto Construczioni General Nigeria Limited. They say changes made to how rainwater flows caused flooding and led to buildings collapsing.

Isaac Nkenyie, a resident, died when his house fell during a night rain. A child from a nearby family, the Etitos, also died when their building collapsed.

In a phone conversation with PUNCH Metro on Sunday, Rita Isaac Nkenyie, the widow of the deceased, shared her family's struggles since the tragedy.

"Since our house collapsed at 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 I have withdrawn them from a private school to the Government Primary School.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," she said.

The families suing include Daniel Sunday Etukudoh, Monday Edoho, Anietie Henry Edoho, and Miriam Ekaso. They have taken legal action against the Minister of Works, David Umahi; Gitto Construczioni General Nigeria Limited; the Akwa Ibom State Government; and Iniama and Partners, the estate valuers involved in the compensation process.

In the suit No. HEK/20/2026 filed at the Eket High Court, the claimants are seeking N1bn for “trauma, loss of resources, loss of loved ones, and loss of businesses over the years due to taking their lands without compensation.”

They also want the court to order the defendants to pay for lands and homes that have already been valued and marked for payment. Additionally, they seek an injunction to stop the defendants from making selective compensation payments.

James Iniama, the Managing Partner of Iniama and Partners, responded to the lawsuit. He told PUNCH Metro that compensation payments for property owners affected by the East-West Road bypass had started but were later put on hold.

"You know me very well that I do my business honestly. If I am questioned about this matter, I will explain it as it happened without fear or favour," he said.

Iniama added that he was unaware of why other compensation payments to affected property owners had stopped.

The plaintiffs' lawyer, Eyibio Okon, stated that they will pursue the case until they get justice for the families and other affected property owners.

"There must be justice for all parties involved, and we are determined to ensure that justice is served," he said.

Okon also mentioned that the case has been postponed until October 20, 2026, for hearing.