Tragedy struck in Taraba State on Sunday when a commercial bus carrying an unknown number of passengers plunged into the Namnai River in Gassol Local Government Area.
The incident was revealed in a post on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who stated that the accident occurred while the Adamawa Express bus attempted to cross a collapsed bridge.
According to him, the crash happened in the early hours of the day when the vehicle, en route to Taraba State, lost balance on the damaged portion of the bridge and fell into the river.
Makama wrote, “An Adamawa Express bus on Sunday plunged into the Namnai River in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State while attempting to cross a collapsed bridge.
“Eyewitnesses told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in the early hours of the day when the bus, en route to Taraba, lost balance on the broken section of the Namnai Bridge and fell into the river.
“The Namnai Bridge, which collapsed over a year ago, is yet to be rehabilitated despite repeated promises by successive governments to fix it.”
He further disclosed that the tragedy had sparked fear among motorists and commuters who frequently ply the route, with many describing the abandoned bridge as a danger to lives and property.
“We have lost many lives and property here because of the government’s neglect. This tragedy shows how urgent the repair of this bridge is,” a resident was quoted as saying.
Makama added that details regarding the number of passengers and casualties were still unclear as of press time.
Efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, Yahaya Suleiman, were unsuccessful, as his mobile line did not connect and a text message sent to him remained unanswered.
Photographs attached to the post showed the wrecked bus and bodies of victims recovered from the river.
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