Yobe community lauds lawyer for sponsoring pedestrian bridge
Yobe community lauds lawyer for sponsoring pedestrian bridge
Residents of some settlements in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe have commended a lawyer for the reconstruction of a vital pedestrian bridge abandoned for eight years.
The residents of Rugan Fulani, Dubai and other settlements said for the past eight years many people faced hardship including lost of lives during rainy season due to lack of bridge.
Malam Usaini Garba, the community head of Dubai I, said for over eight years, locals have relied on a makeshift bridge constructed from wooden planks and old vehicle tyres to cross a dangerous gully created by persistent erosion and seasonal flooding.
He said that the rudimentary structure, which links multiple communities, had claimed several lives, particularly during the rainy season.
He explained that children, women, and the elderly have faced severe difficulty accessing schools, markets, and health facilities due to the bridge’s dilapidated state.
“We have suffered greatly because of this erosion. Our children’s education is disrupted during the rainy season, and lives have been lost.
“One man even lost three of his children while attempting to cross the bridge,” he said.
Garba expressed profound gratitude to Barrister Tumsah for identifying with the community’s plight.
“No one came to our aid until Kashim Tumsah. We are overwhelmed with joy. His intervention has brought us hope,” he added.
Malama Adama Saleh, an elderly resident, decried years of neglect by politicians who visit the community only during election campaigns.
“After elections, they forget us. But today, our prayers have been answered.
“Barrister Tumsah has sent workers and materials to build us a proper bridge. We are very happy and wish him success in all his endeavours,” she said.
Malam Abubakar Abba, another resident of Rugan Fulani, echoed similar sentiments.
He highlighted the bridge’s significance as one of the few access route to schools, health facilities, and other essential services located outside the community.
“Patients have died because they could not cross. Children are unable to attend school when it rains.
“Despite repeated complaints to authorities, nothing was done. We are grateful to this man for his compassion,” he said.
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Mr Hassan Joda, Chairman of the Community Bridge Construction Committee, said residents had earlier resorted to communal levies to fix the road after years of neglect.
“Eventually, I shared photos of the bridge online, which drew the attention of Barrister Tumsah.
“He responded swiftly and donated funds to begin the reconstruction.
“Though the project is still at its early stage, the community is already hopeful,” he said.
Joda appealed to other well-meaning individuals and organisations to support the initiative, especially as several other crossing points in the area remain vulnerable.
“We also appeal to the Yobe Government, especially the Ministry of Environment, to support this effort and ensure the bridge meets safety standards before the rains resume,” he added.
