KEY POINTS

• Southern Kaduna youths staged a peaceful protest over abandoned road projects in Kafanchan, accusing Governor Uba Sani’s administration of failing to fulfil campaign promises.
• Protesters said incomplete roads, open drainage channels, and worsening erosion are threatening lives, homes, and public health.
• Residents called on the Kaduna State Government to immediately resume and complete the projects to prevent further damage during the rainy season.

Residents of Kafanchan in Southern Kaduna on Thursday took to the streets in a peaceful protest over the prolonged abandonment of key road construction projects in Kafanchan Wards A and B.

The demonstrators, operating under the umbrella of the Kafanchan Youth Forum, accused the administration of Governor Uba Sani of neglecting campaign promises to complete infrastructure projects that were initiated during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The protesters marched through major roads in the town before proceeding to the headquarters of the Jema’a Local Government Area, where they demanded the immediate resumption and completion of the projects.

Protesters Demand Fulfilment of Campaign Promise

Carrying placards bearing messages such as “Our Future Is Under Construction, Don’t Abandon Kafanchan Emirate,” “From Blueprint To Reality: A Plea For Kafanchan,” and “Kafanchan’s Development Is Kaduna’s Progress, Complete The Project Sir,” the youths expressed frustration over what they described as years of neglect.

According to them, the roads were expected to improve transportation, stimulate economic activities, and enhance the quality of life for residents. However, they said the projects have remained abandoned despite assurances from government officials.

The protesters maintained that many residents supported Governor Uba Sani during the 2023 governorship election based on promises that the unfinished projects would be completed.

The aggrieved youths warned that the abandoned road works have created serious hazards across affected communities.

They explained that deep excavations, unfinished drainage systems, and expanding erosion channels have become dangerous to residents, especially as the rainy season gathers momentum.

According to the protesters, several people have reportedly sustained injuries after falling into open drainage trenches and excavated portions of the roads. They also noted that erosion has damaged properties and threatens more homes.

In addition, stagnant water trapped within abandoned construction sites has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing fears of malaria and other water-related diseases.

Residents said the worsening condition of the roads and drainage infrastructure could lead to severe flooding if urgent action is not taken.