Kano Residents Protest Railway Project Over Blocked Roads and Traffic Disruption
Kano Residents Protest Railway Project Over Blocked Roads and Traffic Disruption
Residents of the Jajira community in Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State staged a protest over the ongoing Abuja–Kaduna–Kano–Maradi railway construction project, accusing authorities of blocking major access roads without providing alternative routes.
The protesters occupied parts of the construction site for two days, disrupting activities and demanding urgent government intervention to address the hardship caused by the project.
According to community members, the railway alignment cut off key roads connecting Bacirawa, Rijiyar Zaki, Ciromawa, and Watari communities, making movement and transportation difficult for residents and traders.
One of the residents, Musa Kabiru Jajira, alleged that the community was initially promised a flyover bridge to ease movement across the railway corridor, but the commitment was never fulfilled.
He explained that although some residents received compensation during the early stage of the project, the absence of a proper alternative route has negatively affected daily economic and social activities within the area.
Another resident, Suwaiba Sani, appealed to the government to urgently construct a flyover bridge to restore free movement and reduce the hardship experienced by residents.
The protest also disrupted transportation around Ungogo and surrounding communities as commuters were forced to seek alternative routes due to blocked access roads.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command confirmed the deployment of security personnel to prevent the protest from escalating into violence. Authorities also organized a stakeholders’ meeting involving community leaders, local government officials, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Transport, and the construction company handling the railway project.
Police authorities said discussions were held to address the concerns raised by the residents while urging all parties to remain peaceful and allow lawful activities to continue.
The Abuja–Kaduna–Kano–Maradi railway project remains one of the Federal Government’s major transportation initiatives aimed at improving regional connectivity between Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic.
