The Katsina State Government has strongly denied claims that the Dutsinma–Turare–Yantumaki–Mararrabar Kankara road has been closed, calling the report false and misleading and deliberately attempting to incite fear among residents.
In a swift and decisive move, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) also disowned the viral notice. It suspended Aminu Usman, the Chairman of its Dutsinma Branch, for releasing the unauthorised statement without consulting the union’s state leadership or government officials.
“The road is open, safe, and in full use,” declared Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, in an official press briefing on Wednesday, at the government house, Katsina State.
He added, “There is no truth in the claim that the Dutsinma–Yantumaki–Mararrabar Kankara road has been shut down.”
According to the government, the road remains a vital transport corridor linking several communities and supporting the movement of goods, services, and emergency response units.
Authorities emphasised that security checkpoints have long protected the area to safeguard commuters.
“Closing this road would damage local economies, disrupt livelihoods, and isolate communities,” the commissioner said. “We are not only keeping it open, reinforcing security to make it even safer.”
The government expressed concern over what it described as “calculated attempts to sabotage public trust and disrupt peace,” warning that anyone found guilty of spreading such misinformation will face the full weight of the law.
The Katsina State NURTW chairman, Musa Garba, confirmed Aminu Usman’s suspension and reiterated that the Union had no role in the widely circulated notice.
“The actions of the Dutsinma branch chairman were unauthorised, reckless, and contrary to the principles of our Union,” the statement read.
Residents and motorists are urged to ignore unofficial reports and rely only on verified information from government channels and accredited security agencies.
“This road is not just tarmac, it is a lifeline,” Dr Zango added. “It connects people, drives our economy, and unites our communities. We will not allow fearmongers to sever that connection.”
The government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open roads, strengthening security, and protecting public infrastructure across the state.
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