Residents of Azza Community in Lapai Local Government Area, Niger State, made an urgent plea to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, calling for the immediate reconstruction of the long-neglected Muye-Gulu road.
Speaking with journalists in Minna, community members and motorists emphasized that rehabilitating the road, a critical alternative route to Kogi State, would alleviate the hardships faced by commuters and residents.
A driver, Aliyu Umar, described the less-than-50-kilometer road as a “nightmare and death trap” for over a decade, urging Governor Bago to demonstrate compassion for the welfare of the people.
Another driver, Alhaji Ndatsu Musa, who has used the road daily for 15 years to travel between Muye, Lapai, and Minna, lamented the deteriorating state of the road.
“I now visit the mechanic workshop almost every week because of the road’s worsening condition.
We need the government to act swiftly,” he said.
A trader and passenger highlighted the burden of increased transportation costs due to bad roads, compounded by recent fuel price hikes and rising vehicle maintenance expenses.
The trader appealed to the state government to prioritize the road’s reconstruction to ease the financial strain on residents.
Community leader Malam Muhammad Baba also called on the state government to address the “very deplorable state” of the road, stating that reconstruction is essential to relieve the suffering of citizens.
The Muye-Gulu road, initially constructed decades ago, has seen no significant rehabilitation efforts despite its critical role in connecting communities.
Residents report that the road’s current condition has rendered it nearly impassable, further compounding the challenges they have faced for over a decade.
Governor Bago is being urged to prioritize the road’s rehabilitation as a matter of public safety and economic necessity.
