Poor Roads Linking Tumu, Pindiga, Kashere Crippling Lives, Commerce, in Dire Need of Attention
By Muhammad Musa Muhammad, Gombe
The road connecting Tumu, Pindiga, and Kashere in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, once a vital link for farmers, traders and students, has become a pathway of frustration.
As its condition deteriorates, voices from the affected communities grow louder, demanding attention from the government.
Muhammad Adamu, a commercial driver, summarized the challenges faced by those who use the road daily. “Honestly, this Pindiga road, I use it two or three times a day, and the challenges are many,” he explained.
“From Tumu to Kashere, the road is in terrible condition. People struggle, especially now that students from the Federal University, Kashere are returning from holiday. The road is busy, yet it is completely damaged,” he said.
Adamu called on all levels of government to address the situation. “We appeal to the local, state, and federal governments to look at the challenges and repair this road. It is a lifeline for students, farmers, and traders,” he added.
Danjuma Waziri, a motorcycle taxi operator from Pindiga, echoed these concerns. “The road is completely bad. We transport farm produce from places like Tumu to Kashere, but there are potholes everywhere. Some areas are so bad that you need help to get your vehicle out of the mud,” he said.
Waziri emphasized the danger posed to commuters. “The road causes many accidents. When you hit a hidden pothole, you could fall or crash. It’s not safe for anyone,” he explained. His plea was clear: “We call on our leaders and those in positions of authority to repair this road and ease the suffering of the people.”
The poor state of the road has not only caused inconvenience but also created a bottleneck for economic activities in the region. Farmers struggle to bring their produce to markets, and students commuting to the university face constant delays and risks.
Yahaya Abubakar, popularly known as Jebu, and the Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Pindiga, acknowledged the dire state of the road but offered hope. “Yes, the road is deteriorating, but because it is a federal road, certain steps must be followed. We are currently taking those steps,” he explained.
According to him, the state government is preparing for an emergency intervention. “Between Kashere and Rijiyan, there is a large pothole threatening to destroy the road completely. If urgent action is not taken, the situation will worsen. However, we are working to escalate this matter from the ward level to the local government and then to the state governor.”
Jebu praised local community efforts to address the issue temporarily. “We thank the Kashere Union, led by Alhaji Gabas Sarkin Fada, for their initiative. Last week, they mobilized their members to fill potholes and mark dangerous areas with stones and red flags to warn motorists,” he said.
While efforts are underway to escalate the issue to higher authorities, the community remains hopeful that urgent action will follow. “We are doing everything possible to ensure this matter reaches the governor’s desk quickly because he has always responded to such issues promptly,” Jebu added.
The road’s state reflects a broader challenge of infrastructure decay, but it also highlights the resilience of communities determined to find solutions. For the people of Tumu, Pindiga, and Kashere, the road is not just a route—it is a vital link to education, commerce, and opportunity.
The onus now lies on the government to turn these collective cries into tangible action, ensuring that the road becomes a symbol of progress rather than neglect.
