Dangerous Bamboo Bridge Puts Benue Community at Risk

(Bamboo bridge. Photo by SaharaReporters)

Residents of Adum-Oye community in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State are calling for urgent help over a dangerous bamboo bridge across the Oto River that threatens lives and blocks access to schools, hospitals and markets.

The makeshift bridge, made from bamboo stalks tied together with ropes, is the only way residents cross to reach the community's hospital, secondary school and nearby market on the other side.

On September 22, a 54-year-old resident fell from the structure into the river and suffered serious injuries including a badly swollen foot and head wound.

Community member Agburu Sunday Eje told online media that the dangerous crossing becomes a yearly problem, especially during the rainy season.

From September onwards until the river dries up, children stop attending school entirely.

Residents have no choice but to use the bridge because essential services are located across the river.

Children, traders and parents carrying goods are all forced to use the unstable structure despite the dangers.

The community has already experienced deaths on the crossing.

A teacher named Otor Igo, around 58 years old, fell from the bridge and drowned with no one nearby to rescue him.

Eje himself was injured rushing to help his uncle after the latest accident.

He had a car accident on the journey back because of poor roads and now has a dislocated knee and minor injuries.

The dangerous bridge combined with bad roads has left the community increasingly cut off and vulnerable.

Residents are appealing to the Benue State Government, federal authorities, organisations and philanthropists to build a safe permanent bridge.

Such an intervention would prevent further d£aths and injuries, allow children to attend school year-round and improve access to hospitals and markets.

Without urgent action, the community fears the crossing will continue claiming lives and denying residents basic opportunities.