From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe The Gombe Rainbow Roundabout, a once-admired road infrastructure near the NNPC Depot along the Gombe-Bauchi Federal Highway, is gradually becoming a danger zone for motorists, with recent data indicating a spike in fatal road accidents. Constructed during the administration of former governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, the roundabout has now recorded three major accidents within seven days, resulting in two fatalities and other injuries. The disturbing trend has raised alarm among residents and commuters who frequently ply the route. Eyewitness accounts and investigation suggest that the accidents are primarily caused by articulated trucks and heavy-duty vehicles navigating the roundabout at high speed and fully load. These trucks, often en-route to Yola, Bauchi or elsewhere, struggle with the roundabout’s sharp curves and sloppy nature. “There is an urgent need for intervention. Drivers find it difficult to manoeuvre through the roundabout, especially those unfamiliar with the road or carrying overload. I think the landform of the roundabout is mostly overlooked by many and that causes accidents,” said Wada Muhammad Garba, a retired truck driver who operates along the route. He called on the Gombe State Government, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other relevant agencies to urgently review the design and safety measures around the roundabout. Meanwhile, reacting to the development, the Gombe state Sector Commander of FRSC, Kaura Samson disclosed that in response to the recent fatalities, the Corps’ is already collaborating with residents and other stakeholders, especially heavy truck drivers to improve road safety around the area and in the state. “As you can see, the topography of the roundabout presents a significant challenge. Whether you’re approaching it from the town or Yola Road, there is a noticeable slope in that area. I believe this gradient contributes to the problem. In addition, many motorists tend to accelerate immediately after ascending the slope, leading to excessive speed as they descend toward the roundabout. This becomes particularly problematic for trailer drivers,” the commander explained. “Another critical factor is overloading, compounded by the general attitude of drivers and other road users. Many fail to observe the proper rules for navigating roundabouts. By standard traffic regulations, when approaching a roundabout, you must yield to vehicles already circulating, especially those coming from your left-hand side.” “Unfortunately, what we see here is the exact opposite. Due to impatience, many drivers ignore vehicles already in the roundabout and force their way through. This reckless behavior inevitably results in crashes. We are currently engaging in awareness campaigns and sensitizing road users and transport unions to curb these dangerous practices and reduce the frequency of accidents,” the Commander told Daily Sun. Efforts to get a response from the Gombe state Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transportation, Engr. Usman Maijama’a Kallamu, regarding the state government’s plans to address the recurring accidents and loss of lives in the area, were unsuccessful, as repeated attempts to reach him in his office and on phone yielded no result. However, motorists and other stakeholders have raised alarm over the growing dangers posed by the Rainbow Roundabout in Gombe, warning that without immediate government intervention, it may continue to claim lives. Muhammad Hamidu, a pump attendant at the Conoil filling station near the roundabout, described it as “a legacy of past administrations that now demands urgent attention to avert further tragedies”.