Akwa Ibom Communities Cry Out As Collapsed Bridge Halts Trade, Farming

Residents of Ikot Obong Akan in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area and the neighbouring Ikot Akpabong community in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have appealed to the state government for urgent intervention following the collapse of the only bridge linking the two communities.

The bridge reportedly caved in after days of persistent rainfall and flooding, cutting off access between the communities and bringing economic and social activities to a standstill.

The predominantly agrarian communities, whose residents depend on farming, fishing and petty trading for their livelihoods, said the destruction of the bridge has left them stranded and unable to transport farm produce or access neighbouring communities for business and other social engagements.

“We depend on farming and petty trading of agricultural produce. We use the bridge to reach neighbouring communities for business, marriages, festivals and other cultural activities. Sadly, we have now been cut off because the only link bridge has collapsed,” a local farmer, Abasiakan Akpan, said.

The residents also expressed concern over the impact of the collapsed bridge on education, noting that many pupils who commute to schools across the communities may be unable to resume when the new academic session begins.

“Children who travel daily from these villages to school are only spared for now because they are on holiday. Once schools reopen, they will face serious challenges,” Sister Enobong Bassey said.

The communities appealed to Governor Umo Eno, the chairmen of the affected local government areas and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to urgently intervene by reconstructing the bridge and restoring access to the affected areas.

Responding to the appeal, the member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Sampson Idiong, visited the affected communities alongside the chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Sunday Festus Akpan, to assess the extent of the damage.

“We are here to inspect the collapsed bridge linking Ikot Obong Akan in Oruk Anam and Ikot Akpabong in Mkpat Enin, to personally assess the situation and identify with the affected communities,” Idiong said.

He explained that the severity of the situation compelled the delegation to cross the river by canoe to witness the damage firsthand and engage directly with residents.

Describing the collapsed bridge as a major setback, the lawmaker said it had disrupted transportation, farming and commercial activities, particularly for traders and residents who rely on Atim Market (Urua Akpudo) for their livelihoods.

Idiong assured the residents that he would immediately engage the relevant government authorities to ensure the matter receives urgent attention.

He also thanked the communities for their continued support and confidence in their representatives, pledging to work with all stakeholders until a lasting solution is achieved.