🚨 Tragedy on the River: How Neglected Taraba Bridge Collapse Led to Three Deaths

A year after devastating floods washed away the Namnai Bridge in Taraba State, weak government action and prolonged inaction tragically culminated in loss of life.

🌊 From Collapse to Crisis

In late 2024, severe floods destroyed the Namnai Bridge, a critical link connecting Taraba State to Benue and the broader South. Despite public pledges and federal government assurances that reconstruction would begin in early 2025, no visible work had commenced as of July.

⚠️ Risky Crossing Turns Deadly

With no repairs underway, travelers resorted to makeshift boat crossings at the abandoned bridge site. On July 25, 2025, around 7:00 p.m., one of these boats carrying vehicles and passengers capsized in the swollen river. At least three people died, while others remain missing. Four vehicles were retrieved from the river bed.

🧾 Government Inaction Under Fire

1. Local leaders and civil society groups condemned the delay, criticizing both state and federal governments for ignoring repeated calls for intervention.

Scholar-activist Professor John Ajai revealed that he and other travelers narrowly escaped further disaster when their boat’s motor stalled in sand, leaving them stranded mid-river. He characterized the crisis as a preventable, catastrophic neglect of human life.

🛣️ Economic Toll & Infrastructural Decline

The bridge’s collapse halted traffic along the Jalingo–Wukari corridor, a major economic artery. Farmers, traders, and commuters were forced into dangerous alternatives, increasing travel costs and reducing access to essential markets. Flooding and erosion further damaged bush paths, making them unreliable.

🙏 Voices of Grief and Demand for Action

1. Hajiya Mamma Fati Ibrahim Hassan Lau, who lost three family members in the tragedy, called for the reconstruction to be declared a national emergency.

Residents expressed frustration that while other regional bridges—such as those on the Yola–Gombe and Gombe–Bauchi routes—were quickly restored, Namnai remains neglected.

✅ Why This Matters

Focus	Impact
Neglected infrastructure	Unrepaired damage led directly to loss of life
Economic disruption	Closure of major route impacted trade and mobility
Trust and governance issues	Unfulfilled promises erode faith in public institutions

The tragedy at Namnai Bridge is a chilling reminder: infrastructure neglect risks far more than inconveniences—it threatens lives and livelihoods. All eyes are now on authorities to translate promises into urgent action.