A section of the Kano-Maiduguri expressway, a vital thoroughfare connecting Nigeria’s Northwest and Northeast regions, has been completely severed by a torrential downpour, rendering the road impassable.
The affected area lies between Malori and Guskuri Villages in Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes and causing significant disruptions to travel and commerce.
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In response to the crisis, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, visited the site on Thursday to assess the damage firsthand and explore possible solutions to alleviate the suffering of road users. During his inspection, Governor Mohammed highlighted the strategic importance of the Kano-Maiduguri expressway, noting that it serves as a crucial link between the country’s Northwest and Northeast regions, facilitating the movement of goods and services essential to the economy.
Governor Mohammed called on the Federal Government to intervene immediately to repair the damaged section of the road. “The urgent intervention by the Federal Government is necessary to prevent accidents on the highway and mitigate other hardships,” he stated, emphasizing the need for swift action to prevent further deterioration of the road and to restore safe passage for motorists.
In addition to appealing for Federal assistance, the governor announced that his administration would take proactive measures to address the situation. He disclosed plans to dispatch a team of state road engineers to the site to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage. The engineers will develop a bill of quantities, which will be forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Works for prompt action.
Governor Mohammed also expressed concern over the general state of federal roads within Bauchi State, particularly as the rainy season continues to exacerbate their conditions. “We will inform the Federal Government about the washed-away portion of the Azare to Bulkachuwa dual carriageway, and if they fail to respond promptly, we will address it ourselves,” he said, underscoring his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens.
The governor appealed for patience and understanding from the public, assuring them that the state government would not hesitate to step in and maintain federal roads if the need arises. “We are ready to act swiftly to address any challenges that arise, especially as the rainy season makes many of our roads more dangerous,” he added.
