The Gimbiyar Lau, Hajiya Mamma Fati Ibrahim Hassan Lau, has called on the federal government to treat the reconstruction of Namnai Bridge in Taraba’s Gassol LGA as a national emergency.
She made the call on Sunday, the 27th of July, 2025, while speaking with journalists in the state.
The royal figure had lost three family members in a boat accident that happened at the site of the collapsed bridge on Saturday, the 26th of July, 2025.
According to her, both federal and state governments must act quickly and begin work on the long-neglected bridge.
Eight of her relatives were involved in the mishap. Five were rescued, one body has been recovered, two are still missing as rescue efforts continue for the third day.
She described the tragedy as avoidable, blaming government neglect over the years for forcing locals to depend on risky water transport especially during the rainy season when water levels rise.
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She also urged Governor Agbu Kefas to push harder at the federal level for the project, stressing that the Namnai Bridge serves far more than just the immediate communities.
“The Jalingo Wukari corridor where the bridge is located is a major economic artery linking northern and southern Nigeria.
It is essential for the movement of agricultural produce, livestock, and goods supporting commerce and fostering regional integration,” she said.
She offered her sympathy to grieving families, including the Alkali Hassan Lau and Badikko families, and appealed to federal authorities to “immediately insert the right peg in the right hole in order to prevent future occurrences.”