Akwa Ibom Community Seeks Gov Eno’s Intervention To Fix Collapsed Bridge

Residents of Ikot Mfon, a rural community in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have appealed to Governor Umo Eno to intervene and help rebuild the collapsed Ikot Mfon/Ndiya Bridge, which has reportedly claimed the lives of three people.

The bridge, originally constructed by the military during the Nigerian Civil War to facilitate troop movements, has long been the only crossing for motorists, trucks, and pedestrians, allowing for the evacuation of agricultural products to major markets.

Community leader, Mr. Ekaette Akpan, who spoke on behalf of the village head, explained that the collapse of the bridge in 2011 has caused increasing hardship for the residents, leaving them cut off from other parts of the state. According to Akpan, over the years, the collapsed bridge has resulted in tragic losses, including the death of three individuals, including schoolchildren, while attempting to cross.

“Since the bridge collapsed in 2011, more than three persons have lost their lives. Apart from that, we have also lost economic activities because these roads and bridges are the only access points to Ndiya, which leads to Eket, Oron, and other parts of Akwa Ibom State,” Akpan lamented.

The collapse has disrupted the community’s socio-economic activities, and the residents now rely on unsafe and rickety boats to travel, access healthcare, and send children to school. This disruption has also isolated them from neighboring communities, further exacerbating their struggles.

A member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, had raised the issue of the collapsed bridge in July 2023. In a motion, Ekpo-Ufot highlighted the dangerous situation caused by the bridge’s collapse, which has led to the loss of lives and limited access to essential services. The lawmaker noted that the bridge, built in the 1970s, had been vital for connecting Ikot Mfon with Ndiya, Nsit Ubium, and other parts of the state.

The residents are now calling on Governor Umo Eno to take immediate action to rebuild the bridge and restore their only access route, ensuring that further lives are not lost and economic activities are revitalized in the area.