A bridge linking Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, with communities in Yorro and Zing local government areas, as well as parts of Adamawa State, collapsed on Friday following over five hours of heavy rainfall.

The Incident, which is the second collapse of the structure in two years, has cut off hundreds of rural communities from the rest of Taraba State.

Daily Trust learnt that many residents were stranded on both sides of the bridge located in Mallam Audu village.

The bridge, known as Gadan-Mallam-Audu Bridge, serves as a key transport route for farmers, traders, students, civil servants, and other residents across Jalingo, Yorro, Zing, and neighbouring parts of Adamawa State.

A resident of Mallam Audu, Hudu Adamu, told Daily Trust that the bridge is a major route for transporting farm produce and livestock to Jalingo and other parts of the country.

He said cracks had appeared on the structure for several months, and reports were made to both Yorro Local Government and the Taraba State Government, but alleged that no action was taken to prevent its collapse.

According to him, the bridge was originally constructed through the intervention of Hon. Kasimu Bello Maigari, former member representing Jalingo, Yorro and Zing Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

A community leader in the area, Bulus James, called on the Taraba State Government and the Federal Government to urgently reconstruct the bridge to restore movement of goods and services. (Daily Trust)

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