Why We Clear Highway Structures, Kano Traffic Agency Gives Update
- The Kano State Road Traffic Agency sprung into action to remove illegal roadside structures in high-traffic areas across the state
- Residents and traders commended the operation, sharing their frustrating experiences while commuting on the roads
- KAROTA explained why it launched the operation and vows to continue addressing similar issues in other high-traffic areas
Kano, Kano state – The Kano State Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) has dismantled illegal kiosks and makeshift shops along major roads in the state, following complaints from residents about rising criminal activities, including daylight robberies.
Source: Twitter
The operation also aims to ease traffic congestion, particularly around Murtala Muhammad Hospital, where patients and emergency vehicles have faced prolonged delays.
Findings by Legit.ng revealed that the crackdown focused on high-traffic zones near Murtala Muhammad Hospital and Rimi Market, where illegal structures have long obstructed roads, creating gridlock that criminals exploit.
Why we remove structures - KAROTA
Leading the operation, KAROTA’s Operations Commander, Abdulkarim Cigari, stated that the removal of the structures was necessary to ensure smooth traffic flow, especially for ambulances and patients in critical condition.
“These illegal kiosks have not only caused unnecessary traffic but have also become a security threat. We are restoring order to protect lives and livelihoods," Cigari said.
Commuters share road experience
Residents have also reported that robbery gangs often take advantage of the standstill traffic to steal valuables from stranded motorists and pedestrians.
For patients and hospital visitors, the congestion had been a major hurdle.
Amina Yusuf, a patient who frequently visits Murtala Muhammad Hospital, shared her ordeal.
She said, “There were days I spent unnecessary minutes in traffic just to get to the hospital gate. My condition worsens with stress, and the delays made things harder. This cleanup is a huge relief.”
Another patient, Malam Ibrahim Sani, whose wife was recently rushed to the emergency ward, recounted his frustration.
“When my wife had a health crisis, last two weeks, we were stuck because of these roadside stalls, and these obstructions were risking lives. I commend KAROTA for this action." Sani shared
Speaking also, Muhammad Abdullahi, Chairman of the Small Business Owners Association along the hospital road, supported KAROTA’s intervention.
”This is a welcome development, and for a long time we have been waiting for the government to do that, especially since these makeshifts are blocking access to the hospital,” he explained.
KAROTA’s spokesperson, Abubakar Muhammad Sharada, affirmed that the operation would continue in other areas with similar security concerns.
“We are committed to ensuring free movement and safety on our roads. Such structures will not be tolerated,” Sharada stated.
Source: Twitter
Man recounts fighting robber who attacked his family
Legit.ng previously reported that a young couple shared their harrowing experience after narrowly escaping an armed robbery by phone snatchers last month along Kofar Famfo Road in Kano.
The incident, which occurred around 8:00 pm, left the family traumatised but grateful to have survived unharmed.
The husband, Abduallahi Sani, speaking to Legit.ng correspondent in Kano recounted how the attack unfolded as they were returning from his wife’s family house with their one-year-old son.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Usman Bello Balarabe (Kano Correspondent) Kano's regional correspondent, Usman Bello Balarabe is a journalist, media strategist, and university lecturer in the state. He worked as an investigative journalist with Daily Trust Newspaper Nigeria. His career is passionately geared towards stimulating social justice, exposing corruption, ensuring good governance and accountability. In his over 7 years of journalism practice, he has authored investigations and numerous special and beat reports at the intersection of environment, health, education, agriculture, public spending, security, and politics.
Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan (Editorial Assistant) Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan is a Legit.ng journalist with over a year of experience writing for Punch Newspaper. He received his BSc in Criminology and Security Studies from FUOYE. His background in media communications and criminology, with practical experience in research, interviewing, and digital media, allows him to craft compelling narratives that drive positive change. Fadehan is an Editorial Assistant on Politics/CA Desk at Legit.ng. He is committed to ethical journalism, leveraging his skills to create a meaningful impact. Reach him at abdul-hafeez.fadehan@corp.legit.ng or 070622666732.
