Heavy flood sacks Adamawa community, destroys bridge, leaves dozens stranded

Eric Patrick 

A bridge on the Yola-Gombe road was destroyed by a heavy rainstorm, trapping numerous travelers in Adamawa State.

The bridge, located close to the Dangote Sugar Refinery in the Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was swept away by a destructive flood caused by heavy rainfall that began in the pre-dawn hours on Thursday and continued until 11 am.

Stranded commuters and travelers in opposite directions are left lamenting with no immediate help in view.

Some business owners conveying livestock and perishable food items could only count their losses.

Intending travelers to Gombe and Bauchi have been cautioned to postpone the journey, just as those heading to Plateau and Abuja have been forced to take a long route through Taraba and Benue States.

As further rainfall is anticipated in the upcoming days, the circumstances might deteriorate, given that a significant section of the Yola-Gombe road is already underwater.

The travelers have called on the authorities concerned to immediately activate the Nigerian military to provide an alternative bridge along the road.

Efforts to reach the Federal Controller of Works in Yola proved abortive as his phone was not reachable as of the time of filing this report.