The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the state Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, has denied the closing of the Dutsinma-Yantumaki-Mararabar Kankara federal road.

In a joint press briefing in Katsina, on Wednesday, the government suspended the Dutsinma local branch chairman of the NURTW, Aminu Usman, who purportedly issued a statement of the closure of the road.

The statement was signed by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Zango and the Chairman of the Katsina State chapter of the NURTW, Musa Yandoma.

The PUNCH learnt that, earlier on Wednesday, the statement for the closure of the road as a result of insecurity circulated on social media, prompting fear among motorists and passengers.

The government statement read, “The attention of Katsina State Government has been drawn to a release purportedly written and signed by Aminu Usman, chairman of NURTW Dutsinma branch, that motorists should stop following Dutsinma, Turare, Yantumaki, Mararrabar Kankara road, saying the road has been closed.

“In relation to this, the state branch of the union has distanced itself from the release. It further suspended the Dutsinma local branch chairman, Aminu Usman, who authored and signed the unreasonable release without due consultation with the union state office and other relevant stakeholders.

“Motorists and the general public are by this statement requested to disregard this misinformation and to dispel any further rumours.

“Katsina State Government and security agencies in the state wish to categorically state that the road remains open and has not been closed.”

Bala further explained that Dutsinma, Yantumaki to Marrarabar Kankara road was safe and accessible to motorists.

“The government has since many years back mounted security checkpoints for the safety of commuters and other public along the road.

“Katsina State government is doing everything possible to ensure that it improves security along the road.

“The road is a vital transportation route that connects several communities and facilitates the movement of goods and people.

“Closing this road would have a significant impact on the local economy, as it would disrupt the flow of goods and services, and make it difficult for residents to commute to work or access essential services,” the statement added.

The commissioner said the government had ordered a proper investigation into the misleading information.