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 during an inspection tour led by the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven, across affected locations in Plateau. Among the bridges inspected were the Longvel Bridge along the Shendam Yelwa Ibi Road in Shendam Local Government Area, the Kufai Yelwa Bridge on the Yelwa Garkawa Road, the Bakwai Bridge on the Langtang Zamko Garkawa Road in Langtang North, the Bailey bridges along the Langtang Wase Road, the Jarmai Bridge on the Dengi Bashar Road in Kanam, and the Bauchi Road Bridge in Jos North.
Speaking during the tour, Laven explained that the Longvel Bridge, constructed decades ago, has suffered extensive structural damage due to repeated flooding. He recalled that severe flooding in 2012 undermined its foundation, prompting federal intervention with a relief culvert. However, subsequent floods between 2014 and 2018 further weakened the structure, leading to subsidence, exposed piles, and deepened riverbeds caused by sand excavation.
“The bridge has outlived its serviceable age and the best solution is complete demolition and reconstruction to guarantee safe connectivity,” he said.
Laven described the situation as an emergency, disclosing that the Kufai Yelwa Bridge and Langtang Wase Bailey bridges have already collapsed, while others remain in critical condition. He warned that with the rainy season approaching, the risk of total collapse is imminent.
According to him, the affected bridges are strategic routes linking Plateau with neighboring states and are vital for interstate commerce and movement. He appealed to the Federal Government to deploy emergency response teams and release funds for immediate rehabilitation.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, highlighted the economic importance of the Longvel Bridge, describing southern Plateau as a major food producing hub. She warned that any collapse would disrupt food supply chains and regional connectivity.
The state government stressed that while it has intervened in some federal infrastructure within Jos metropolis, the scale of the current crisis exceeds its capacity, urging swift federal action to prevent disaster.
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