Two years after bridge collapse, fresh road crisis hits Taraba

Two years after the collapse of the Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, which has remained unattended, another major road infrastructure in the state has suffered a similar fate, heightening concerns over the deteriorating condition of critical transport routes.

The latest incident occurred last week along the Bali-Suntai Road, particularly around the Zagah axis in Bali Local Government Area, where a portion of the road was washed away, cutting off vehicular movement and leaving hundreds of travellers stranded.

At the time of filing this report, no fewer than 300 vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks loaded with goods, were reportedly trapped on both sides of the damaged section.

DAILY POST reports that development has disrupted the movement of people and goods while creating fresh economic difficulties for residents, transport operators and traders whose livelihoods depend heavily on the route.

Residents told DAILY POST that what began as gradual erosion of the road has now developed into a complete obstruction, leaving communities along the corridor facing difficulties accessing neighbouring towns and local government areas.

The councillor representing Suntai Ward, Daniel Ayuba, said the road collapse had paralysed transport services and affected business activities in the area.

Ayuba expressed concern over the hardship being experienced by commuters and other road users, appealing to both the Federal Government and the Taraba State Government to urgently intervene and repair the damaged portion.

He said immediate action would restore movement, prevent further economic losses and ease the hardship faced by residents and motorists who depend on the road.

A resident, Harry Aliyu, said the collapse could have been prevented if the authorities had responded to earlier warnings from residents.

“We have long been shouting on social media and through other media platforms when this road started wearing off, calling on government to come and prevent it from total collapse, but they turned deaf ears to our pleas,” Aliyu said.

According to him, the situation has now reached a point where travelling to Jalingo and other neighbouring communities and local government areas by road has become practically impossible.

“Now, travelling to Jalingo and other neighbouring communities or local government councils from this axis with vehicles has practically become impossible,” he added.

The impact of the road collapse is also being felt in the education sector, with schools expected to reopen soon.

Bridget Gimba, a resident, expressed concern that the damaged road could affect pupils and students who depend on the route to access their schools.

She said the situation could become worse whenever it rains, making movement along the affected portion even more difficult.

“This ugly development will definitely affect school resumption because my pupils and students will now find it difficult to access their school premises, especially when it rains.

“So, we are calling on those concerned to, as a matter of urgency, wade in and get this road fixed for the sake of ordinary citizens and motorists who make use of this road to earn their daily living,” Gimba pleaded.

The Bali-Suntai Road collapse adds to a growing list of infrastructure challenges confronting communities across Taraba State, particularly roads and bridges that serve as vital links between rural communities and major commercial centres.

The prolonged collapse of the Namnai Bridge in Gassol has remained a major concern for residents and road users, with the infrastructure reportedly still awaiting comprehensive reconstruction two years after it gave way.

The latest incident has therefore renewed calls for authorities to move beyond emergency responses and adopt proactive road maintenance measures, particularly in areas vulnerable to erosion and flooding.

For residents of the Bali-Suntai corridor, the immediate concern is not only the inconvenience caused by the washed-away road but also the wider economic consequences of being cut off from neighbouring communities.

With hundreds of vehicles stranded, essential goods delayed and residents facing difficulties moving from one community to another, the road collapse has become more than an infrastructure problem—it is now a threat to livelihoods, education, transportation and local commerce.

Residents are therefore urging the relevant authorities to treat the situation as an emergency and restore the road before further deterioration leaves communities in the area completely isolated.

Two years after bridge collapse, fresh road crisis hits Taraba