Tragedy struck in Taraba State on Sunday when a commercial bus belonging to Adamawa Express plunged into the Namnai River in Gassol Local Government Area while attempting to cross a collapsed bridge.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, was confirmed in a post on X by security expert Zagazola Makama, who quoted eyewitnesses at the scene.
According to accounts, the bus, which was en route to Taraba, lost balance on the broken section of the Namnai Bridge and tumbled into the river. Images attached to the post showed the wreckage of the vehicle as well as the remains of some passengers recovered from the water.
“The Namnai Bridge, which collapsed over a year ago, is yet to be rehabilitated despite repeated promises by successive governments to fix it,” Makama wrote.
Residents described the bridge as a “death trap,” lamenting that the government’s neglect had repeatedly exposed commuters to danger.
“We have lost many lives and property here because of the government’s neglect. This tragedy shows how urgent the repair of this bridge is,” a local resident said.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of passengers and casualties had not been confirmed. Attempts to reach the Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, Yahaya Suleiman, were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone did not connect, and a text message sent to him had yet to be acknowledged.
The accident has once again raised concerns about the state of infrastructure across Nigeria, with motorists and commuters calling for immediate rehabilitation of the Namnai Bridge to prevent further loss of lives.
