Shendam Bridge collapses, cuts off southern Plateau.

Shendam (Plateau) – The Shendam Bridge in Plateau collapsed on Tuesday, cutting off most parts of the southern part of the state from Nasarawa, Benue and Taraba.

The bridge collapsed after torrential rainfall that lasted throughout Monday night.

The Shendam and Langtang floods also destroyed houses, farms and other valuables.

Among those who stranded in Shendam town were NEMA officials, who had visited the town on Monday to distribute relief materials to victims of early floods in Wase, Langtang and Shendam.

“We have lost our main bridge and we are at a loss as to how to handle this matter,’’ a visibly shaken Alex Dabo, Supervisory Councillor in charge of Social Services in Shendam Local Government, said by the side of the collapsed bridge.

He said that Shendam residents were worst affected by the development as the bridge was the main link to the market, schools, banks and many other offices located just on the outskirts of the town.

Mr Eugene Nyelong, NEMA Relief and Rehabilitation Officer for the North-Central, who was among the stranded officials, said that the agency’s officials were already on ground to ascertain the level of damage to the bridge.

“We have to ensure that no casualty is recorded; we are also looking into the possibility of erecting a temporary alternative passage to restore some form of communication. ’’

“It is indeed a very bad situation; very devastating, but we shall see what we can do as quickly as possible,’’ he said.

NEMA spokesman for North-Central, Audu Yohanna, described the development as “very unfortunate’’, but expressed relief that no casualty was recorded.

“Nobody was killed, but cars cannot cross to the other side as I speak with you. The residents are just confused.

“What we intend to do is to try to find a way to Langtang through Tunkus and Mikang, while others will move through Lafia in Nasarawa State .’’

Plateau has continued to suffer massive flood incidents with worst incidents recorded in Gangare, Tudun-Osi, Tudun Talakawa and Angwan Rogo settlements in Jos north where scores got drowned.

NIMET has predicted flooding  in many states, among them Plateau, and advised stakeholders to be very vigilant. (NAN)