Residents of Gashaka Local Government Area in Taraba State have raised alarm over the deteriorating condition of the Garbabi Bridge, warning that severe erosion caused by persistent rainfall is threatening the structure and putting thousands of lives and livelihoods at risk.
The bridge, which serves as a major link between several communities, has become increasingly vulnerable after heavy downpours washed away a significant portion of its approach road.
The erosion has left sections of the roadway hanging precariously, sparking fears that continued rainfall could lead to the collapse of the bridge if urgent repairs are not carried out.
A visit to the area showed deep gullies extending toward the bridge embankment, while visible cracks and soil displacement have further heightened concerns about the structure’s stability.
Residents said the situation has worsened with every rainfall, forcing motorists to exercise extreme caution when using the route.
One resident, Abdullahi Sarti, expressed fears that the bridge could be swept away at any time if immediate action is not taken.
He recalled the collapse of the Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area in 2024, which remains unrepaired, and appealed to the authorities to prevent a similar fate for the Garbabi Bridge.
Another resident, Ndoti Halimat, described the bridge as a vital lifeline for surrounding communities, noting that its collapse would cut off access to hospitals, schools, markets, and other essential services.
Other residents and commercial drivers shared similar concerns, warning that losing the bridge would have far-reaching consequences not only for Gashaka Local Government Area but for the state as a whole.
With no official warning signs at the site, community members have resorted to placing old vehicle tyres, tree branches, and makeshift flags along the damaged section to alert motorists to the danger ahead.
However, many acknowledged that these temporary measures offer little protection against the increasing risk posed by the advancing erosion.
The Garbabi Bridge remains a critical route for transporting agricultural produce, commercial goods, and emergency services across communities in the area. Its collapse could isolate several settlements, disrupt economic activities, delay emergency response, and affect access to education and healthcare.
A civil engineering expert, Samson Uba, warned that continued erosion around bridge foundations and embankments could compromise the structural integrity of the bridge if left unchecked.
He recommended urgent stabilisation measures, including embankment reconstruction, stone pitching, gabion installation, and improved drainage systems to redirect floodwaters and prevent further soil erosion.
As the rainy season continues, residents and community leaders have appealed to the Taraba State Government, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, and other relevant authorities to urgently assess the bridge and begin emergency repair works.
According to them, swift intervention is necessary to safeguard lives, protect property, and preserve a vital transport link relied upon daily by thousands of people.
The alarm over the Garbabi Bridge comes amid growing concerns about the impact of seasonal flooding and erosion on road infrastructure across Taraba State. Several bridges and roads in the state have suffered extensive damage in recent years due to heavy rainfall, disrupting transportation and economic activities. In 2024, the collapse of the Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area left many communities stranded and highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the state. Residents fear the Garbabi Bridge could suffer a similar fate if urgent rehabilitation works are not carried out before the peak of the rainy season.
