Akwa Ibom State government has been urged by the people of Ikot Mfon in Etinan Local Government Area to immediately rebuild the Ikot Mfon/Ndiya bridge, which collapsed and killed at least three people, including students.
Originally constructed by the military during the Nigerian Civil War, the bridge is an essential conduit for traders and drivers carrying agricultural goods.
Speaking on behalf of the village chief on Tuesday, community leader Ekaette Akpan bemoaned the fact that residents have been cut off since the bridge fell in 2011, which has disrupted social and economic activity.
“Since the bridge collapsed, more than three people have died while trying to cross, including schoolchildren. Apart from the loss of lives, our economic activities have also suffered because this road and bridge are the only access points to Ndiya, which connects us to Eket, Oron, and other parts of Akwa Ibom,” Akpan said.
Akpan, flanked by Obong Safety Tony, the deputy village chief, called on Governor Umo Eno to act quickly to stop more deaths.
In the meantime, Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, a member of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly who represents the Etinan State Constituency, addressed the House in July 2023 and demanded prompt government action.
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In his motion, Ekpo-Ufot pointed out that the bridge, which was built around 1970, has turned into a death trap, requiring locals to depend on perilous boats to get to other settlements for healthcare, education, and other necessities.
He cautioned that additional deaths would occur and the area’s economic problems would deepen if immediate action was not taken.
