Let’s Discuss Popular One-Way Routes in Bauchi by Isyaka Laminu Badamasi

Some of the popular one-way routes frequently used by motorists in Bauchi include the Tashan Babiye/Bayan Bata junction along Wunti Street, Gida Dubu/Tudun Salmanu junction, Unguwar Sarakuna along the Maiduguri bypass, Sabuwar Kasuwa junction opposite Sarkin Arewa’s residence, and the Railway Cattle Market junction along Railway Road connecting to the Federal Low-Cost bypass.

Other notable roads and junctions that motorists often navigate with ease include the Masallacin Ajiya Mallam Goje junction near the late Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s tomb and the Bakin Kura/Muda Lawal junction adjacent to the late Isyaka Jibrin’s house along Bakin Kura Street. On Ningi Road, the Sabon Layi junction is a notorious one-way route, particularly for motorcycle and Keke Napep riders. Additionally, one of the most hazardous one-way routes in the entire Bauchi metropolis is the Old Library junction along Gombe Road/Masakan Makafi, which has claimed numerous lives over the years.

These Roads violators are mostly young individuals, though older ones are not exempt. For instance, it is common to see a sand-laden truck driving against traffic in broad daylight—a reckless act. Among Keke Napep riders, cutting corners has become the norm. They fully exploit the fact that the presence of road personnel on many roads is diminishing, emboldening them to take dangerous risks that often result in severe accidents.

Another significant contributor to accidents in Bauchi metropolis is kilisa, an event organized by young people. These events usually involve hiring a disk jockey to create a lively atmosphere, as youths race recklessly on the streets while onlookers cheer and celebrate the winners. Tragically, these races often end in disaster.

Additionally, wedding durbars for newlyweds, a tradition that has persisted for decades, contribute to traffic issues. Popular streets like Kobi, Wunti, Ajiya Adamu, Bakin Kura and Ilelah are often blocked as the groom’s friends hire traditional drummers, and riders parade on horseback, occupying the roads. This forces other road users to divert to alternate lanes, causing traffic jams and delays regardless of the urgency of their journey.

Mechanics, who used to test-run vehicles after attending to some mechanical faults also recklessly drive in high-speed which is also resulted to avoidable accidents, causing injuries and damages of properties.Note that, this traffic violation is not peculiar to Bauchi metropolis alone, it is also happening in almost all the urban towns in the state.

As the Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency (BAROTA) is ready to take the bull by the horn, it is important to call on the general public to support the Agency in delivering its mandates of keeping our road safe, the NURTW, RTEAN, Keke Napep and Achaba Riders Association should also call on their members to order to achieve the target objectives.

Isyaka Laminu Badamasi
No 555 Ajiya Adamu Road, Bauchi, Bauchi State.