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From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo
Residents of Jalingo metropolis have appealed to Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, to urgently intervene in the worsening condition of roads across the city, particularly those in the Mallam Joda area.

In a letter of appeal addressed to the Government House in Jalingo and signed by Al-Emran Alhassan on behalf of the community, the residents described the roads as “symbols of neglect” and a direct threat to their lives and livelihoods.

They lamented that most roads have collapsed due to erosion, leaving behind deep potholes and craters that have made daily commuting a nightmare. “These roads have become a threat to our lives and livelihoods. They have made transportation risky, delayed emergency services, and disconnected us from essential institutions,” the letter read.

According to the residents, navigating the roads in Mallam Joda now means avoiding dangerous crumbling edges and enduring repeated vehicle damage. Commercial drivers, traders, and especially farmers are worst affected, as the poor state of the roads prevents produce from reaching the market on time.

“Sometimes, we just abandon the trip,” said Musa Abdullahi, a local farmer. “You can spend a whole day trying to get through. And when it rains, forget it: no one gets in or out.”

Beyond the economic hardship, residents highlighted the impact on health and education. Parents now struggle to get their children to school, while the sick face long delays in accessing hospitals. A community health worker recounted how an ambulance once turned back after getting stuck en route to attend to a woman in labour. “We ended up delivering the baby ourselves,” she said.

Despite several petitions to local authorities, the residents said they had received little more than verbal assurances. They are now calling on Governor Kefas to step in directly.

Their demands include sending engineers to assess the damage, allocating funds for comprehensive road repairs, and ensuring the project is carried out transparently and without delay.

“We’re not asking for luxury,” the letter concluded. “We’re asking for the chance to live and work in dignity. We believe in the governor’s leadership and trust he will act before it’s too late.”