By Olukayode Idowu
The bad roads in the Northeast region of the country has been described as aiding the activities of Boko Haram insurgency.
Addressing journalists in Damaturu on Monday, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe state, Hon. Kabiru Musa lamented that the roads have made it easier for Boko Haram to kidnap on the highways and get away easily.
He said the road networking between Yobe, Borno and Gombe states was a disaster and has made traveling a nightmare and allowed Boko Haram interesting and increasing catch.
Musa, who called on the Federal Government to urgently reconstruct the Gombe-Yobe- Maiduguri federal roads to avert further waste of lives and property, lamented that the condition of federal roads across the three states was an embarrassment to the nation and needs government’s immediate intervention.
He said apart from allowing the terrorist a free rein on the highway, the deplorable condition of the roads have often caused accidents resulting in deaths of motorists and several Nigerians.
He said the state of the roads in the region was a breach of the fundamental human rights of the people even as he wondered why the Federal Government had decided to neglect the roads.
He said there is urgent attention on road networking in Gombe, Borno and Yobe states, there is need for bridges to be built also.
Musa who lamented Dadin-kowa to Wade to Fikayel, Gulani to Tetteba- Yadin Buni are completely an eyesore and a disgrace to the nation, said: “We spend hours on that road because of its deplorable state. Broken down trailers and heavy trucks also constitute grave danger to motorists especially at night.”
He said Boko Haram and kidnappers have moved from Gulani to Gombe road to Fikayel to Borno road taking advantage of the potholes adding that Wade- Yamaltu road was another nightmare.
Musa noted that Gombe state was surrounded by four states aside other states that plied the roads serving as link between the northeast parts and other northern parts of the country.
He called on the National Assembly members from Gombe, Borno and Yobe states to pay a visit to the Minister of Works on the need to tackle the issue from all fronts.
He said: “Mr President, we hereby implore you to please urgently come to our aid and rescue us from the imminent flood when rain commences again by repairing the roads.”
He however commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state for his masses oriented programmes since he assumed office.
He said: “We specifically commend you for your love for the masses, especially the downtrodden ones in the society.”