By Gurara Correspondent
The Chairman of Zangon Kataf Local Government Council, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, has clarified that Gideon Jock Yaji did not undertake any road or bridge rehabilitation project in Zango Urban Ward but only donated ₦1 million towards community efforts to address damage caused by erosion.
Engr. Gaiya made the clarification during a radio programme on Invicta FM on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, while addressing reports alleging that he stopped a road or bridge construction project initiated by Jock.
According to the Chairman, he contacted Jock after learning about the purported intervention and requested details of the contract, including contact with the engineers handling the work, to establish the project specifications and whether the necessary approval had been obtained from the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA).
However, Jock reportedly clarified that he was not undertaking any road or bridge construction or rehabilitation project. Rather, he explained that he donated ₦1 million during a campaign visit to the community after the ward chairman of his political party informed him of efforts by residents to repair the damaged bridge.
Engr. Gaiya noted that the bridge had been severely damaged by erosion, stressing that the amount reportedly donated was insufficient to address the extent of the damage.
He further disclosed that Jock had since dissociated himself from any road or bridge rehabilitation project, describing him as a law-abiding citizen who would not engage in unauthorised construction activities.
The clarification comes amid controversy over reports that the Council Chairman had stopped a community road or bridge project allegedly initiated by Jock, with questions raised about the circumstances surrounding the intervention and the required government approvals.
Engr. Gaiya also revealed that the road had been captured in the Kaduna State Government’s rural road transformation plan, expressing optimism that it would soon receive attention.
He assured residents that, in addition to the planned road rehabilitation, water provision and school-related projects had already been earmarked for the area as part of efforts to improve community welfare.
In a related development, concerned Zango Urban community stakeholders have expressed support for the Council Chairman’s actions, dismissing reports that he arbitrarily stopped a legitimate construction project as misleading.
In a press statement dated October 28, 2026, and signed by Abdullahi Ado on behalf of the concerned stakeholders, the community said available information indicated that a ward chairman of a political party, reportedly a close associate of Jock, approached him with claims that residents were raising funds to repair a bridge damaged by erosion.
The community also condemned what it described as attempts to turn an infrastructure concern into a political campaign against the Council Chairman, urging the public to disregard unverified reports surrounding the incident.
On the condition of the road, the stakeholders said some community representatives had previously drawn the Kaduna State Government’s attention to its deplorable state.
The stakeholders further called on Jock to clarify his role in the alleged project by providing details of the funds released, the contractor or engineer handling the work, and evidence of approval from KADRA or the relevant department of the Local Government Council.
Reaffirming their position, the stakeholders said they would support genuine development initiatives irrespective of political affiliation, provided such interventions were transparent, lawful and properly coordinated.
The development underscores the need for proper coordination between private individuals, community stakeholders and relevant government authorities in addressing public infrastructure challenges, particularly where erosion has caused significant damage to roads and bridges.
