By Hosea Parah
The Bitaro community in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State has appealed to the state government for urgent intervention over worsening insecurity, deplorable road conditions and abandoned infrastructure projects, warning that the challenges are threatening lives, livelihoods and economic activities.
The community, under the umbrella of the Bitaro National Community Development Association (BINCODEA), said the deteriorating situation had exposed residents to avoidable deaths, criminal attacks and growing economic hardship.
The National President of BINCODEA, Mr. Lawrence Philip Doribi, described the situation as alarming, noting that the community was struggling with multiple challenges that required immediate government attention.
“Our community is suffering. We face life-threatening situations daily because of bad roads, abandoned projects, and increasing criminal activities,” Doribi said.
He called on the Kaduna State Government to urgently address the challenges, stressing that the continued neglect of critical infrastructure and security concerns had worsened the living conditions of residents.
One of the most pressing concerns raised by the community is the poor condition of roads linking Bitaro to Kwoi General Hospital, which residents say has made access to emergency healthcare increasingly difficult.
The General Secretary of BINCODEA, Hon. Peter Yarima, said the deplorable roads had contributed to avoidable deaths, particularly among pregnant women in labour and patients requiring urgent medical attention.
According to him, the condition of the roads often delays the transportation of patients to the hospital, leaving families struggling to obtain timely medical assistance.
“The roads are completely non-motorable. Women in labour and other emergency cases struggle to reach the hospital on time, and this has resulted in unnecessary loss of lives,” Yarima explained.
He urged the state government to prioritise the rehabilitation of the roads, noting that improved access to healthcare facilities was essential to protecting lives and ensuring the well-being of residents.
Beyond the infrastructure challenges, the community also expressed concern over rising criminal activities, particularly armed robbery, which it said had heightened fear and insecurity among residents.
Mallam Likita Sani Gigin, the Madakin Bitaro and representative of the Village Head, disclosed that incidents of motorcycle theft had become increasingly troubling in the area.
He cited a recent incident in which three motorcycles were reportedly stolen in broad daylight, describing the development as a serious threat to the safety and economic security of residents.
“Just recently, three motorcycles were stolen in broad daylight. These attacks have left families frightened and economically vulnerable,” he said.
Motorcycles serve as an important means of transportation and livelihood for many residents, particularly those engaged in commercial transport and small-scale businesses. Their theft, therefore, places additional financial pressure on affected families.
The community called for stronger security measures to curb criminal activities and restore confidence among residents.
Another major concern is an abandoned bridge project that previously served as a vital link between Bitaro and neighbouring communities.
According to community representatives, the collapsed structure has become a dangerous crossing point, with repeated reports of accidents, loss of lives and destruction of property.
Residents described the route as a death trap, warning that the continued abandonment of the project poses serious risks to commuters and other road users.
The situation has reportedly been compounded by the activities of individuals vandalising the abandoned structure to remove and steal iron materials.
Community leaders expressed concern that the theft of materials could further undermine the project and complicate efforts to restore the bridge to a functional condition.
They appealed to the relevant authorities to investigate the vandalism, protect public infrastructure and ensure that the abandoned project is completed to serve its intended purpose.
The community maintained that the poor state of roads, insecurity and abandoned projects were interconnected problems that required a coordinated response from the government and relevant security agencies.
It specifically called on the Kaduna State Government to rehabilitate the roads linking Bitaro to Kwoi General Hospital, complete the abandoned bridge project and strengthen security operations to protect lives and property.
The residents also stressed the need for sustained government attention to rural communities, arguing that access to safe roads, functional public infrastructure and adequate security remained fundamental to development.
They warned that continued neglect could deepen the hardship facing residents, restrict movement between neighbouring communities and undermine economic activities.
For the people of Bitaro, the appeal goes beyond demands for infrastructure development. It is also a call to protect lives, safeguard livelihoods and restore a sense of security to a community struggling with persistent challenges.
Community leaders expressed hope that the state government would respond promptly to their concerns, insisting that timely intervention would help prevent further tragedies and improve living conditions.
They said rehabilitating the roads, completing the bridge and addressing the security situation would provide residents with safer access to healthcare, improve transportation and support economic activities across the area.
As the community awaits a response, residents are urging the relevant authorities to treat their concerns as an urgent public safety issue rather than allow the situation to deteriorate further.