Residents of Ikot Mfon in Etinan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, are calling on the state government to urgently reconstruct the collapsed Ikot Mfon/Ndiya bridge, which has claimed at least three lives, including those of schoolchildren.
The bridge, originally built by the military in 1970, serves as a critical link for traders transporting agricultural produce. It collapsed in 2011, and despite repeated requests, no action has been taken to restore it.
Ekaette Akpan, a community leader representing the village head, shared with Punch that since the collapse, residents have been completely cut off, severely disrupting social and economic activities. “More than three people have died trying to cross, including schoolchildren. Our economic activities have also suffered, as this is the only route that connects us to Ndiya, Eket, Oron, and other parts of Akwa Ibom,” Akpan said.
Flanked by the deputy village head, Obong Safety Tony, Akpan appealed to Governor Umo Eno for urgent intervention to prevent further casualties.
Earlier in July 2023, Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, a member of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly representing Etinan State Constituency, raised the issue in the House, urging immediate government intervention. Ekpo-Ufot highlighted that the bridge, which has become a death trap, forces residents to rely on unsafe boats to access education, healthcare, and other essential services. He warned that without swift action, more lives could be lost, and the economic hardships in the region would intensify.
