Taraba Farmers Cry Out as Collapsed Bridge Threatens Markets, Access to Services

Farmers and residents of Nyido-Tosso Ward in Kurmi Local Government Area of Taraba State have called for urgent repairs to the collapsed Kufai Bawuru Bridge, warning that the damaged link is disrupting movement and threatening local livelihoods.

The bridge connects communities in the ward with other parts of the local government area and has become difficult and dangerous to use since its collapse. Residents said the situation could affect the movement of people, agricultural produce and essential goods.

Farmers who depend on the route to transport their produce to markets said the damaged bridge has made their journeys increasingly difficult. Sikirat Jimoh, a female farmer, said access to Baissa, the administrative headquarters of Kurmi Local Government Area, had become a major challenge.

“We are dying in silence as a result of this bridge that is at the verge of being washed away because transporting our farm produce to our main market in Baissa has begun to witness frustration,” Jimoh said.

Another resident, Bulus Dogo, said restoring the bridge would improve connectivity and support economic activities across Nyido-Tosso Ward and neighbouring communities. Residents also warned that prolonged disruption could make it harder to access schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

Tafa Sunday appealed to the Taraba State Government, Kurmi Local Government Council and other relevant authorities to inspect the bridge and begin rehabilitation or reconstruction. Residents also called on community leaders, development organisations and other stakeholders to support efforts to address the problem.

Kurmi Local Government Council Chairman and Taraba State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Moses Maihankeli, said his administration had concluded plans to repair the bridge. He said the bridge collapsed three days earlier and promised that work would begin after his return to Kurmi from Jalingo.