5th March 2025
Residents of Ikot Mfon in Etinan LGA, Akwa Ibom State, have called on the state government to urgently rebuild the collapsed Ikot Mfon/Ndiya bridge, which has claimed at least three lives, including schoolchildren.
Originally built during the Nigerian Civil War, the bridge is a vital route for motorists and traders. A community leader, Ekaette Akpan, lamented that since its collapse in 2011, residents have been cut off, affecting daily life and economic activities.
“More than three people have died trying to cross, including children. This bridge is our only link to Ndiya, which connects us to Eket, Oron, and other parts of Akwa Ibom,” Akpan said.
Backed by deputy village head Obong Safety Tony, she urged Governor Umo Eno to act swiftly to prevent further casualties.
In July 2023, Etinan State Constituency lawmaker Uduak Ekpo-Ufot raised the issue in the House of Assembly, warning that without urgent intervention, more lives would be lost, and economic hardships would increase.
