1 year after collapse, Kano–Maiduguri highway in Bauchi remains unfixed

Motorists, commuters and residents of Malori-Guskuri and Sabon Gari villages in Katagum Local Government Area, Bauchi State, are still enduring severe hardship following the collapse of the busy Kano–Maiduguri highway. It would be recalled that on August 7, 2024, floodwaters cut off the highway at Malori-Guskuri village, swallowing a large section of the road. A […]

Motorists, commuters and residents of Malori-Guskuri and Sabon Gari villages in Katagum Local Government Area, Bauchi State, are still enduring severe hardship following the collapse of the busy Kano–Maiduguri highway.

It would be recalled that on August 7, 2024, floodwaters cut off the highway at Malori-Guskuri village, swallowing a large section of the road. A week later, another portion collapsed at Sabon Gari village. 13 months after the incidents, the collapsed sections remain death traps, causing frequent crashes that have claimed lives and left many road users injured.

When our correspondent visited the affected areas, he observed the presence of a construction company at Malori village, with equipment deployed for repair works.

Residents confirmed that the company only returned the previous Monday, more than a year after the collapse.

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However, the Sabon Gari section remains unattended, exposing motorists and residents to frequent accidents and other dangers.

A tipper driver, Shehu Muhammad, who also serves as the Public Relations Officer of Tipper Drivers in Katagum LGA, described the collapsed section at Sabon Gari as a constant source of fear for motorists.

“This collapsed portion has become a death trap. I vividly recall when two vehicles carrying passengers crashed into the cut-off road. During the rescue operation, a woman was evacuated unconscious, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Muhammad recounted.

He lamented that despite the strategic economic importance of the highway—which links major commercial hubs across Northern Nigeria—government action has been slow.

“We have been waiting endlessly for repairs. It is disheartening because we have senators, members of the House of Representatives, and a local government chairman, yet it seems they do not ply this road. We are praying that God touches the hearts of the authorities to take urgent action,” he said.

Muhammad further explained that beyond crashes, the road continues to deteriorate as water erodes its edges.

“Just last week, after heavy rainfall, water almost submerged the collapsed portion, worsening the situation. We are appealing to the federal government to urgently intervene,” he added.

Another commercial driver, Muhammadu Salisu, popularly known as Salisu Mai Tipper, said motorists have struggled with the collapsed portion for over a year, particularly at Sabon Gari.

“This section has become a death trap. Earlier this year, floodwaters completely submerged the road. The site has claimed many lives through repeated crashes, and millions of naira worth of property has been lost,” Salisu said.

He revealed that authorities, in an attempt to reduce the frequency of accidents, blocked one lane with heavy equipment and diverted traffic to the remaining part of the highway.

“Even though the construction company brought in stones and dug parts of the site, they later withdrew their machines and abandoned work. We appeal to the government to urgently fix this road to ease our suffering,” Salisu added.

For residents, the collapse has been equally devastating. Safiyanu Garba of Sabon Gari village said accidents have become a near-daily occurrence.

“It is hardly possible to go 10 days without a vehicle crashing into the cut-off portion. Some of the worst incidents involve motorcycles and commuters losing their lives,” Garba said.

He added that residents are deeply concerned about the government’s delay. “A company once came with machines, but after a short while, they packed up and left. We are pleading with the government to repair this road,” he said. At Malori-Guskuri, residents narrated similar ordeals. Muhammadu Dadi recalled seeing vehicles crash into the cut-off section, killing at least one person and injuring several others.

“The collapse has also affected residents, especially during the rainy season. The large ditch created by the flood now accumulates water and blocks pedestrian paths, forcing us to use long alternative routes to reach our homes,” Dadi said.

Another resident, Yahaya Mohammed, confirmed that many people have died at the Malori collapse site. He welcomed the recent return of the construction company.

“Just last week, the company mobilised equipment and resumed work. After our long suffering, we are relieved that repairs have finally started,” Mohammed said.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of Triacta, the construction firm, Ibrahim, said he needed time to clarify with management but could not provide details before press time.

Efforts to reach the State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works in Bauchi were unsuccessful. However, a staff member who spoke off the record told Daily Trust that the federal government recently awarded the contract to Triacta.

According to him, the company started with the Malori section due to the complexity of repairs and would move to Sabon Gari immediately after completing that phase.