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In a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by rural communities in Nigeria, a bridge built through local communal efforts in Buruku Constituency, Benue State, has been completely swept away by raging floodwaters. Eyewitness photos shared on social media capture the destruction, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure support in flood-prone areas.
The incident, reported recently on local Facebook groups, has left residents grappling with isolation and heightened risks to daily life. According to accounts from the area, the bridge—constructed entirely by community members without formal government backing—was no match for the powerful floods that struck following heavy rains. This loss exacerbates existing challenges, as the region already contends with multiple bridges under severe strain.
Concerned locals are now appealing directly to key officials, including the Local Government Chairman and the Member Representing Buruku Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, to intervene swiftly. Mr. Jeremiah Igbazenda, a vocal community figure, addressed the crisis, stating that the community had exhausted its resources in maintaining such infrastructure. “From Ortese to Tomohar, we already have four bridges under strain. This is too much for the community alone,” he lamented. “We have a local government chairman, an assembly member, and even a House of Reps member. The government should take over—not by force, but by responsibility.”
This plea comes amid broader flood disasters in Benue State. Just days earlier, the Benue State Assembly called for immediate government support for victims in affected areas, including the submersion of villages like Ortese, Mbaatsua, and Ikyaa. The floods not only washed away the locally built bridge linking communities but also damaged other critical infrastructure, such as bridges along the Usaase River. Assembly members emphasized the need for relief measures to prevent further humanitarian crises, noting that thousands have been displaced by similar events in the past.
Residents fear that without prompt action, essential services will grind to a halt. Transportation routes are severed, potentially disrupting trade, access to healthcare, and education. In a region already prone to seasonal flooding due to its position along the River Benue, such incidents underscore the impacts of climate change and inadequate infrastructure planning. Historical floods, like those in 2017 that displaced thousands along the Benue River, serve as a grim precedent.
As Benue State continues to recover from recurrent natural disasters, this latest event highlights the resilience of local communities while exposing gaps in governmental response. Calls for sustainable solutions, including reinforced bridges and flood control projects, are growing louder. The state government has previously averted some flooding through control and road initiatives, but more comprehensive strategies may be needed to protect vulnerable areas.
For now, the people of Buruku Constituency await action, hoping their communal spirit will be matched by official responsibility to rebuild and safeguard their future.
