The Plateau State Government has raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of five Federal Government-owned bridges in the southern part of the state, warning that their imminent collapse could sever critical transport links and put residents at risk.
The alert was issued by Commissioner for Works, Joshua Ubandoma Laven, during an inspection tour of the affected structures on Saturday, accompanied by other senior government officials. Laven emphasized that without urgent intervention, the southern zone could be cut off from other areas of the state.
The bridges in question include:
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Longvel Bridge along the Shendam–Yelwa–Ibi Road (Shendam LGA)
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Kufai Yelwa Bridge on the Yelwa–Garkawa Road (Shendam LGA)
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Bakwai Bridge along the Langtang–Zamko–Garkawa Road (Langtang North LGA)
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Bailey bridges on the Langtang–Wase Road (Langtang North LGA)
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Jarmai Bridge along the Dengi–Bashar Road (Kanam LGA)
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Bauchi Road Bridge (Jos North LGA)
Laven highlighted the Longvel Bridge as particularly critical, noting it has suffered extensive structural damage due to decades of flooding. He recalled that severe flooding in 2012 undermined the bridge’s foundation and prompted the construction of a relief culvert by the Federal Government. Subsequent floods between 2014 and 2018 further weakened the structure, causing the failure of retaining walls and approach embankments, and leading to noticeable subsidence.
“The bridge has outlived its serviceable age. The safest solution is complete demolition and reconstruction to guarantee connectivity,” Laven said, stressing that Longvel Bridge links Plateau State with Nasarawa, Taraba, and other neighboring states. Its collapse, he warned, would severely disrupt interstate movement and economic activities.
He urged the Federal Government to intervene immediately, noting that the state lacks the capacity to address the emergency alone. “These bridges require urgent rehabilitation. If any collapse, commuters will be completely cut off, and several local government areas will lose access,” Laven said.
With the rainy season approaching, Laven cautioned that the situation could deteriorate further unless an emergency response team is deployed and funds provided for immediate repairs before March–April.
