Residents of Jalingo and Yorro Local Government Councils of Taraba State have appealed to their representatives in the National Assembly to urgently facilitate the reconstruction of the collapsed Mallam Audu Bridge, a critical link between the two councils.
The bridge, popularly known as Gadan Mallam Audu, was recently washed away by heavy rainfall that lasted several hours, cutting off the shortest route between Jalingo, the state capital, and Pantisawa, the administrative headquarters of Yorro Local Government Council.
A visit to the area revealed that the collapse of the bridge has severely disrupted movement between the affected communities, leaving residents stranded and forcing commuters to take longer and more difficult alternative routes.
For many years, the bridge served as a vital transport corridor for students, civil servants, traders, and farmers transporting agricultural produce from the fertile Yorro mountains to markets in Jalingo.
Its collapse has not only hindered mobility but has also negatively affected commercial activities and access to essential services.
Residents who spoke on Tuesday expressed concern over the hardship caused by the incident and called on the senator representing Taraba North senatorial district and the member representing Jalingo, Yorro and Zing federal constituency to urgently draw the attention of relevant authorities to the situation.
One of the residents, Ishaka Bala, described the bridge as an economic lifeline whose collapse has had far-reaching consequences on daily life.
“The collapsed bridge has disrupted transportation, economic activities, and access to healthcare, education, and other essential services. We are appealing to our representatives to intervene and ensure that the bridge is reconstructed as quickly as possible,” he said.
According to Bala, swift intervention by the lawmakers would go a long way in alleviating the suffering currently being experienced by residents of the affected communities.
Another resident, Musa Kasuwa, recalled that the bridge was originally constructed through the intervention of a former member representing the area in the National Assembly.
He noted that signs of structural weakness had been evident for months before the bridge was eventually washed away.
“We are calling on our senator and member representing us in the House of Representatives to emulate their predecessor by facilitating the reconstruction of this bridge. Movement from Yorro to Jalingo has become extremely difficult since it collapsed,” Kasuwa said.
Beyond the appeal to federal lawmakers, residents are also calling on the Taraba State Government to provide a temporary access route to ease transportation challenges while awaiting the reconstruction of the bridge.
As the rainy season intensifies, community members fear that continued inaction could further isolate several settlements, worsen economic losses, and limit access to critical public services.
For now, residents can only hope that urgent steps will be taken to restore the vital connection that has long served as a gateway between Jalingo and Yorro communities.