Residents of Romi village in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State have asked politicians seeking their votes in the 2027 elections to prioritise the reconstruction of a collapsed bridge linking the community to the local government headquarters.
The residents also called for the rehabilitation of the 6.7-kilometre road connecting Romi to Dawakin Tofa, saying the poor condition of the route has subjected them to years of hardship and exposed commuters to security risks.
They warned that they could boycott the 2027 elections if the bridge, which they said has remained unrepaired for nearly three decades, is not reconstructed.
The bridge was initially constructed through a community self-help initiative before the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Council completed it in 1995. It reportedly collapsed in 1996 and has not been reconstructed since.
The road provides an important link between Romi and nearly 20 communities, including Kwa, Dungurawa, Bumburawa, Babbar Ruga and Cedi Babbar Ruga, but residents said its deplorable condition has made movement difficult, particularly during the rainy season.
A community leader, Isa Adamu Abdullahi, said residents largely depend on motorcycles and bicycles to access hospitals, schools, markets and other essential services in Dawakin Tofa.
“As it is, we heavily rely on motorcycles and bicycles to reach Dawakin Tofa town, where all our critical needs like hospitals, schools and markets are located. You know how difficult it is to go there by bicycle,” Abdullahi said.
A commuter, Magaji Hussain, said the poor state of the road had also created security concerns, particularly at night.
He said residents travelling between communities along the route risked being attacked by criminals, adding that many people avoided using the road after dark.
“As you can see, we are heading to Dawaki from Bambarawa. From Gangaren Dutse, Kwa to Romi, Malunfashi, Bamburawa, Katoge and Kashirmo, all are linked by this road. But honestly, we are facing difficulty on this road, especially whenever it rains,” Hussain said.
He added that residents were not opposed to elections but wanted government and politicians to address their most pressing infrastructure needs.
“We are not saying no to elections, but this road is our vote. If it is fixed, we will vote and support polio vaccination as well as all government programmes,” he said.
Another resident, Junaidi Danladi, alleged that the poor condition of the road had exposed commuters to motorcycle theft and other attacks, with some incidents reportedly resulting in deaths.
He appealed to the government and politicians to consider the needs of the affected communities and restore the road and bridge.
Meanwhile, the APC Secretary of Romi Ward, Ahmad Isa, said residents remained hopeful that the infrastructure challenges would eventually be addressed.
He expressed optimism that the bridge would be reconstructed and the road rehabilitated to ease movement and improve security for residents of the affected communities.
- 2027: Fix our bridge, Kano villagers tell politicians - August 25, 2026
- Troops arrest two terrorists, recover AK-47 in Zamfara - August 25, 2026
- Police detain Abuja officers over N40,000 bribery - August 25, 2026
