Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement for North Central Nigeria, visited Shendam Local Government Area in Plateau State to address urgent infrastructure needs following the collapse of two critical bridges. She assured residents that the Federal Government would expedite repairs on the Tukum bridge, which connects Shendam and Langtang North LGAs, and the Longvel bridge, linking Shendam with Taraba State, to restore vital access routes that have severely impacted local livelihoods.
During her visit to the Tukum bridge site, Mrs. Essiet expressed her concern, calling the bridge collapse a major disruption to the socio-economic well-being of affected communities. “This isn’t just an infrastructure failure; it’s a serious obstacle to trade, agriculture, and daily life for the residents of Shendam and Langtang North,” she stated. Mrs. Essiet emphasized that President Tinubu’s administration is committed to addressing infrastructure deficits, particularly in rural areas where access to goods and services is crucial for economic growth.
“The Federal Government is aware of the hardship this collapse has caused,” she added. “Restoring this bridge is crucial for reconnecting Shendam and Langtang North and reviving the flow of goods and services. We are committed to addressing this issue promptly.”
Mrs. Essiet also inspected the Longvel bridge along Shendam Road, an essential route for transportation and trade between Plateau and Taraba States. She highlighted the bridge’s strategic importance for cross-border economic activity and pledged rapid action. “The Longvel bridge is critical not only for Shendam but for the entire region. The Federal Government will ensure that repairs are carried out swiftly to support Plateau and Taraba’s economic ties,” she assured.
The SSA further emphasized that infrastructure development, especially in rural communities like Tukum, is a priority in President Tinubu’s agenda. She encouraged local residents to remain united and patient, noting that engineers and construction teams would soon be deployed to commence repairs. Additionally, Mrs. Essiet highlighted the administration’s commitment to building resilient infrastructures that would be durable and capable of withstanding future challenges, prioritizing both safety and longevity.
Mrs. Essiet also met with local leaders, including the Executive Chairman of Shendam LGA, Hon. Nicholas Nshe Kemi, represented by his deputy. The Chairman’s representative expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its attention to the region’s challenges. He explained how the collapse of the Shendam-Langtang bridge had isolated communities, disrupted farm produce transport, and impacted access to essential goods, calling for swift action to prevent further hardship.
The visit concluded with Mrs. Essiet’s engagement with community stakeholders and a courtesy visit to the Long Gamai of Shendam, Miskoom Martin Mudu’utrie Shaldas III, where discussions emphasized cooperation for community development and infrastructure renewal.
