Katsina State Government Denies Closure of Dutsinma-Yantumaki-Kankara Road, Assures Motorists of Safety
By Mu’awuya Bala Idris Katsina
The Katsina State Government has refuted claims that the Dutsinma-Yantumaki-Mararrabar Kankara road has been closed due to insecurity, assuring motorists that the route remains safe and fully accessible.
The clarification was made by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, during a press briefing in response to a statement issued by the Dutsinma branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The union had earlier advised its members to avoid the road following reported kidnappings of drivers and passengers.
Dr. Zango dismissed the advisory as an “over-exaggeration” of the security situation, emphasizing that the road remains open and operational. “The Dutsinma-Yantumaki-Kankara road is still safe and accessible to motorists. Closing it would harm the local economy and disrupt the flow of goods and services,” he stated.
He further highlighted the road’s importance for emergency services, including ambulances and fire trucks, particularly in reaching remote communities. The Commissioner reassured the public that security checkpoints have been strategically placed along the route to ensure safety, adding that the state government and security agencies remain committed to safeguarding all roads affected by insecurity.
In a related development, the State Chairman of NURTW, Alhaji Musa Garba, announced the immediate suspension of the Dutsinma branch chairman, Aminu Usman, for issuing the advisory without authorization. Garba described the statement as “false and misleading,” reaffirming confidence in government security measures.
The Katsina State Government urges motorists and the public to disregard the earlier advisory and assures continued efforts to maintain security across all major transit routes in the state.
