Residents of Jalingo and Yorro Local Government Areas in Taraba State have called on the Member representing Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing Federal Constituency, Sadiq Tafida, to urgently facilitate the reconstruction of the collapsed Mallam Audu Bridge linking the two areas.
The appeal was made during a visit by our correspondent to the area, nearly two weeks after the bridge gave way following heavy rainfall.
The bridge, popularly known as Gadan-Mallam-Audu, connected Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, with Pantisawa, the headquarters of Yorro Local Government Area. Its collapse has completely halted movement along the route.
Residents said the bridge served as the only direct crossing on the axis and the shortest link between the two communities. It also played a key role in transporting students, civil servants, traders, and farmers conveying agricultural produce from the Yorro highlands to markets in Jalingo.
During the visit, commuters were seen stranded on both sides of the broken bridge, with many unable to continue their journeys between Jalingo and Yorro.
Those affected said the incident has disrupted transportation, economic activities, and access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
They also appealed to the Senator representing Taraba North, Shuaibu Isa Lau, to intervene in addressing the situation, noting that the bridge had shown signs of weakness for months before it eventually collapsed.
“The bridge was originally constructed through the intervention of Hon. Kasimu Bello Maigari, the former House of Representatives member for Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing. It had been in a poor state for some time before it finally collapsed. We are calling on our representatives to emulate that effort and come to our aid now that we are suffering,” one resident said.
The residents further urged the Taraba State Government to provide an alternative access route to ease movement while awaiting the reconstruction of the bridge.
Sani Suleiman
