A resident of Gusau in Zamfara State, Alhaji Idris Gusau, has pleaded with both the federal and State governments to end the dastardly activities going on along the Gusau Funtua highway, saying that it doesn’t portray any good governance to the residents along the axis.

Gusau said that the insecurity on the Funtua–Gusau road is becoming increasingly disturbing, noting that travellers using the major highway are living in fear, while families remain anxious whenever their loved ones embark on the journey.

According to him, it is deeply heartbreaking to hear about the reported incident involving Alh. Nasiru Marafa, a staff member of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), who was reportedly shot by bandits while travelling between Kucheri and Tsafe.

“If confirmed, this is yet another painful reminder that the security situation along this road requires urgent and decisive action”, he added.

“I previously raised concerns about the limited number of security checkpoints along the Funtua–Gusau route, particularly from Yankara through Kucheri, Magazu and Tsafe to Gusau. Considering the level of insecurity along this corridor, the existing security presence appears inadequate.”

“A road of such strategic importance should not have long stretches where travellers feel completely vulnerable.”

“The government and security agencies should seriously consider establishing more strategically positioned security checkpoints, particularly around known flashpoints. There is also a need for regular and visible security patrols, with patrol vehicles continuously moving along the route, especially during periods when travellers are still using the highway.”

“The areas around Magazu, Kucheri and Tsafe deserve particular attention because of repeated security concerns. Intelligence-led operations, surveillance and rapid-response capabilities should be strengthened in these locations”

“Whatever the government is doing to improve the lives of the people, those efforts will be difficult for ordinary Zamfarawa to appreciate if they cannot travel safely from one community to another.”

“Development is important. Infrastructure is important. Economic empowerment is important, but without security, none of these achievements can be fully enjoyed.” People are afraid, travellers are afraid, parents are afraid, wives and husbands are afraid.”

“Families remain awake and anxious whenever their loved ones travel through dangerous sections of the road. This should not be the reality of a people simply trying to move from one place to another.”

“The Funtua–Gusau road is not just a road. It is an important connection between communities, businesses, families and economic activities. Its security should therefore receive the closest possible attention from the government and security agencies”

“We respectfully call on the Federal Government, Zamfara State Government and relevant security agencies to urgently increase security checkpoints at vulnerable locations.
Intensify regular patrols along the entire route, strengthen surveillance between Magazu, Kucheri and Tsafe, improve intelligence gathering and community-based security information.”

“Establish rapid-response mechanisms for emergencies, ensure adequate deployment of security personnel during critical travel hours. The people of Zamfara are not asking for too much. They are simply asking for the right to travel, work, and live without fear. How many more innocent lives must be threatened before stronger measures are taken?