Residents and travellers in Taraba State are raising alarm over worsening conditions following the collapse of the Namnai Bridge, a key transport link between Taraba and Benue States. The bridge, which was destroyed by floods in 2024, remains unrepaired nearly a year later, plunging communities into economic and transportation hardship.
Once a vital trade and travel route, the bridge connected Gassol LGA to major markets in Makurdi, Wukari, and beyond. With no replacement, commuters now navigate perilous bush paths riddled with potholes, often spending hours—or entire days—trying to reach their destinations.
Commercial drivers have been especially affected. Musa Ibrahim, who works the Jalingo–Makurdi route, told DAILY POST that fuel costs, vehicle damage, and loss of passengers are crippling their earnings. “Sometimes we spend an entire day in the bush, and we still get stuck,” he said.
The bridge collapse has also devastated agriculture. Farmers can’t transport crops, leading to spoilage and exploitation by middlemen offering rock-bottom prices. The result is declining food supply in markets and rising unemployment in Namnai and neighbouring communities.
Despite calls from civil society groups, traditional leaders, and affected locals, the Taraba State government has not initiated reconstruction. Aisha Saleh, a local trader, asked, “Are we not part of Taraba State?”
As the 2025 rainy season deepens the crisis, citizens are calling for urgent government intervention to reconnect communities and revive economic activities.
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