Tragedy struck on Friday as a boat ferrying passengers and vehicles capsized at the collapsed Namnai Bridge crossing in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, leaving at least three persons missing and several others injured.
The incident occurred as residents attempted to cross the river using an improvised ferry service that has become a routine mode of transport since the Namnai Bridge collapsed and was abandoned by authorities.
Eyewitnesses told Insight Northeast that the boat, which was reportedly overcrowded and battling strong river currents, lost control and overturned midstream. Some passengers were able to swim to safety, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Rescue operations led by local volunteers commenced immediately after the accident, with support from security operatives and community leaders. As of the time of filing this report, search efforts were still ongoing to recover the missing passengers.
The exact number of passengers on board remains unconfirmed, but residents fear the casualty figure may rise. The incident has thrown the Namnai community into mourning.
“This tragedy could have been avoided,” said Malam Isa Gassol, a local youth leader. “We’ve been crossing this river on makeshift boats since the bridge collapsed. We’ve written letters, protested, and pleaded with the government, but nothing has been done. Now lives are lost again.”
The Namnai Bridge, a major link between central Taraba and other parts of the state, collapsed over a year ago, cutting off road access and forcing residents to rely on unsafe water transport.
The community is now demanding immediate government intervention. “We call on the state and federal authorities to urgently deploy emergency rescue teams and commence the reconstruction of this bridge. Enough is enough,” said Mrs. Salamatu Danladi, a teacher and resident of the area.
Meanwhile, prayers are being offered across local mosques and churches for the safe return of the missing persons and for the repose of the souls of those feared dead.
Attempts to reach the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA) for official comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
