Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has reiterated his government’s commitment to continually work with relevant agencies to find a permanent solution to the recurrence of auto accidents along the southern Bypass of Gombe metropolis.
The Governor made the commitment during a special visit to the scene of the recent truck accident on the Gombe- Biu Bypass which claimed 15 lives and left many injured.
The Governor expressed commitment to putting permanent solution to the perennial problem which claimed many lives and property of the citizenry”.
Unveiling some of the immediate measures his government will take to curtail the perennial problem, the Governor said, “we resolved to put a barrier along the road to stop trucks and other heavy duty vehicles from passing through the road until when it is late at night when there are less traffic and less activities.
“We will also work with relevant authorities to divert traffic to the alternative route along Yola Road where they can pass and link up with Biu road through Kalshingi”, he added.
The road was constructed some years back as a bypass to avert frequent heavy truck accidents in Gombe town, but due to urbanization and expansion of the town, the road seems no more a bypass, leading to frequent ghastly motor accidents almost on daily basis”.
The Governor said his administration will not hesitate to take any measure within the ambit of the law that may help avert such tragedies, stressing that “the major role of government is to protect lives and property of its citizens”.
Governor Inuwa therefore issued a stern warning against indiscriminate building of structures on right of ways by residents and traders to avert unnecessary loss of lives and property.
He said, “whatever measures government would take will never yield positive results without support and cooperation of the public”.
He therefore, urged members of the public to cooperate with government and avoid indiscriminate erection of houses, shops and other structures on the right of way and ensure compliance to laws guiding land administration.
“As you can see, we are here together with heads of all relevant security agencies and the traditional rulers; we shall continue to work together towards putting an end to this problem”, the governor assured.
“Our government will not tolerate indiscriminate erection of buildings and other structures on the right of ways or any other thing that will endanger people’s lives”, he warned.
“We already have a taskforce under CP Mohammed Wakili which enforces compliance to rules and regulations towards ensuring safety of our people”, he added.
Speaking during the visit, the Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Ishola Babaita assured the readiness of his men to enforce the Governor’s order to ensure public safety, warning that law will take its course on whoever is found wanting.
In his short remarks, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. M. N. Thenam said he will deploy his men to ensure safety usage of the road and strict compliance to the new orders issued by the Governor.
Also Present during the visit were the Emir’s of Akko and Gona, Senior District Head of Gombe as well as heads of security agencies, including the Commandant of 301 regiment, State Director of Security, Director of Federal Fire Service among others.
