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The Plateau State Government has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of five major Federal Government bridges in the southern part of the state, warning that they are on the brink of collapse and require urgent emergency intervention.

The alarm was raised on Thursday during an inspection tour of the affected bridges led by the Commissioner for Works, Joshua Laven, alongside other top government officials.

Our correspondent reports that the bridges identified include the Longvel Bridge along the Shendam–Yelwa Ibi Road in Shendam Local Government Area; Kufai Yelwa Bridge on the Yelwa–Garkawa Road in Shendam LGA; Bakwai Bridge along the Langtang–Zamko–Garkawa Road in Langtang North LGA; the Bailey bridges along the Langtang–Wase Road in Langtang North LGA; the Jarmai Bridge along the Dengi–Bashar Road in Kanam LGA; and the Bauchi Road Bridge in Jos North LGA.

Speaking during the inspection, Laven explained that the Longvel Bridge, constructed several decades ago, has suffered extensive structural damage due to repeated flooding over the years.

He recalled that in 2012, severe flooding undermined the bridge’s foundation and approach, prompting the Federal Government to construct a relief culvert to address the damage.

However, subsequent floods between 2014 and 2018 further weakened the structure, leading to the failure of the retaining wall and approach embankment.

According to him, floodwaters also undermined the foundation of a second relief box culvert, causing it to sink and resulting in noticeable subsidence at the bridge approach.

He added that the bridge piles are now exposed, while sand excavation activities downstream have deepened the riverbed, worsening the structural instability.

“The bridge has outlived its serviceable age, and the best solution is complete demolition and reconstruction to guarantee safe connectivity,” he said.

Laven also said that the Longvel Bridge is a strategic route linking Plateau State with Nasarawa, Taraba, and other neighboring states, warning that its collapse would severely disrupt interstate movement and economic activities.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Kufai Yelwa Bridge and the Langtang–Wase Bailey bridges have already collapsed, while the others remain in critical condition.

He described the situation as an emergency, noting that all the affected bridges are Federal Government projects.

“As you can see, we are faced with an emergency situation in Plateau. About five bridges require urgent intervention. If any of these bridges collapse, commuters will be completely cut off, and several local government areas will lose access,” Laven said.

Laven further warned that with the rainy season approaching, the situation could worsen if immediate action is not taken.

He called on the Federal Government to deploy an emergency response team and provide funds for urgent rehabilitation before the rains intensify between March and April.

While noting that the state government has intervened in some federal infrastructure within Jos metropolis, including areas around Maraban Jama’a, UTC Junction, and Bauchi Road, he stressed that the current burden is overwhelming.

“This is beyond the capacity of the state government. We are appealing to the Federal Government to act swiftly to rescue the people of southern Plateau and other Nigerians who rely on these routes,” Laven added.

Also speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, underscored the economic importance of the affected bridges.

She described the Longvel Bridge as a critical link connecting the North Central region to the South-East and North-East zones of the country.

“Southern Plateau is the food-producing hub of the state. Large quantities of agricultural produce are transported from here to other parts of Nigeria.

“If this bridge fails, food supply chains will be disrupted, and the movement of goods will be jeopardized,” she said.

Ramnap warned that any further deterioration could isolate several communities and local government areas, with serious implications for commerce, food security, and regional connectivity.

She called for urgent federal attention, noting that early signs of rainfall have already begun, making swift intervention imperative.

It could be recalled that the Plateau State Government has embarked on the construction of roads in rural communities to boost economic activities and enhance security in recent days.

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The residents of Iguruta Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State have staged a peaceful protest over the killing of one of their youth leaders, Nchelem Samuel Festus, by suspected herders.

Festus was a former Secretary of Omuolu-Omunwei Community in Igwuruta and was killed by suspected herders on Tuesday.

It was gathered that some armed individuals who appeared like herders had attacked Festus and others in the community and murdered the vicitm in the process.

The invaders had injured some other people including one Charles Adiele, a member of a local vigilante group in the area.

It was gathered that the development had sparked panic in the area as the killers had fled the scene on motorcycles after carrying out the act.

However, Thursday, the youths of the area took to protesting demanding an end to cattle rearing activities in their area.

The protesting youths also demanding an end to scavengers and motorcycles activities in the area, calling on any Northerner with evil intentions to vacate their community.

The youths, who made this demands in a communique issued during the protest regretted the development.

Reading the communique on behalf of the youths, Gilead Chimenem, said the killers invaded the community on over 40 motorcycles.

Chimenem said: “The Igwuruta community is deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic murder of our son, Nchelem Samuel Festus who was the Secretary of Omuolu-Omunwei Community in Igwuruta, who was killed on 10th of February, 2026 by Aboki bike riders within our own land.

“This heinous act, along with the ongoing rapes, kidnappings, and other criminal activities perpetrated by these same individuals, has shattered the peace and hospitality that Igwuruta has long been known for.

“Igwuruta has always been a welcoming and peaceful community, where residents and visitors alike live and conduct business without fear. However, recent provocations and escalating violence by these criminal elements have made it clear that immediate action is required to protect our people and restore safety.”

Chimenem demanded an end to scrap dump sites in the area and motorcycles operations by northerners in the community, adding that the people would not take the laws into their hands.

He said: “Therefore, as a peace‑loving community, we hereby make the following demands: Immediate stopping of all Aboki bike‑rider operations within Igwuruta.

Closure of every scrap‑dump site in Igwuruta that is operated by these individuals. Prompt arrest and prosecution of all Aboki bike riders involved in the murder of Nchelem Samuel Festus and any other crimes committed against our people.

“All cattle herders must vacate our farmlands, and all herdsmen must stay away from our bushes with immediate effect. We are committed to upholding the rule of law and will not resort to self‑help.”

Chimenem called on urgent intervention as regards their first and second demands, adding that the failure to carry at effective action might force the people to seek self help.

He said: “Nevertheless, we expect the relevant security agencies to act decisively on demands 1 and 2 within 48 hours of this communiqué. Failure to do so will compel the community to take necessary measures to safeguard our lives and property.

“We call on all security agencies, local government authorities, and concerned stakeholders to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and to work with us in restoring peace and justice to Igwuruta.”

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, has banned the operations of motorcycle in Iguruta community between 6pm and 6am till further notice.

Wobodo made the order when he visited the family of the late victim, Festus, stating the directive takes effect immediately from Thursday.

He said the temporary closure was a measure to put a security check as concenrs kidnapping, rapping and killings in the area.

The LGA boss said some criminals use advantage of motorcycle to perpetuate insecurity, adding that those involved would face the full weight of the law.

He urged the community to remain calm and allow the security agencies to carry out their investigation.

He said: “This matter is coming from the level of bike activities in Iguruta and we have for many times actually banned bike in Igwuruta because from our investigations this has been aiding kidnapping and killing.

“It has been causing plenty of insecurity in Ikwerre local government and the report we have gotten the accident is so much in Igwuruta.

“We will not say we are very wicked governments to punish everybody at the same time. So what we will do right now from six o’ clock, no bike should operate in a Igwuruta anymore.

The police are here, other security groups are there. We don’t want this bike cascality in these areas because from one time to another we have had plenty of those they kidnapped.

Meantime, a Senior police officer serving in Igwuruta Divisional Police Headquarters, said several suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and that investigations are ongoing.

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A devastating road traffic accident involving a commercial bus (popularly known as Faka SMK 823 YK), yesterday, claimed the lives of two occupants and left several others injured along Ballet inward Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

According to an eyewitness, the incident, which occurred about 5p.m., was precipitated by an unknown private vehicle reversing on the main carriageway, an action that compelled the commercial minibus travelling at considerable speed to apply brake.

The sudden manoeuvre caused the vehicle to lose stability, overturn repeatedly and ultimately burst into flames in the process. The bus was conveying nine passengers.

Men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, who sped to the scene, revealed that the commercial bus driver was conveying a five-litre container of petrol in the vehicle. The highly inflammable substance ignited immediately following the crash, resulting in a severe fire outbreak.

“Tragically, the driver and a female passenger seated at the front burnt beyond recognition in the ensuing inferno,” LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, stated.

According to Bakre-Oki, LASTMA operatives, who were on routine traffic surveillance within the axis, responded with commendable promptness and professionalism.

“Through swift intervention, they successfully rescued eight passengers from the wreckage before the fire intensified and immediately facilitated their evacuation to a nearby medical facility with the assistance of a public-spirited motorist,” he explained.

The accident scene was promptly secured with the support of the Divisional Traffic Officer, DTO, of Ilasa Police Division, who was on ground to ensure adequate security and traffic control. The accident led to gridlock in the axis.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with Lagos State Ambulances Service, LASAMBUS, also responded to extinguish the fire and manage emergency rescue operations.