By Salisu Aliyu
The Gimbiyar Lau, Hajiya Mamma Fati Ibrahim Hassan Lau, has called on the Federal Government and the Taraba State Governments to urgently commence reconstruction work on the long-abandoned Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Her appeal follows a tragic boat accident at the bridge site, involving eight members of her extended family.
While five victims were rescued, one body was recovered, and two remain missing as of two days after the incident.
Hajiya Mamma Fati decried the incident, describing it as a painful consequence of the government’s continued neglect of the bridge.
She noted that the absence of the bridge has forced residents to depend on unsafe water transportation, particularly dangerous during the rainy season when river levels rise significantly.
She urged the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, to escalate the issue and impress upon the Federal Government the urgent need to reconstruct the bridge, which serves as a crucial link in the state.
In a press statement issued by her Public Relations Officer, Nazif Umar Lau, Gimbiyar Lau expressed her condolences to the affected families, especially the Badikko family, and the broader communities of Gassol, Lau, and the entire Taraba State.
She also offered prayers for the safe return of the missing individuals and strength for the bereaved during this difficult time.