In the heart of Jere Local Government Area, Borno State, the Fori community is grappling with mounting frustration over a collapsed bridge that once connected them to key parts of Maiduguri. The bridge, a crucial access point to Tashan Bama, the University of Maiduguri, and several neighboring areas, was heavily damaged during the flooding on September 10 2024.
Shortly after the disaster, officials from the Borno State government and Dr. Ndiame Diop of the World Bank visited the site, promising swift repairs to damaged infrastructure. Initial reconstruction began promptly, offering residents a glimpse of hope.
But that hope has since dimmed. The repair work suddenly ceased, leaving the community stranded with only a makeshift crossing—one that now seems unfit for the upcoming rainy season.
“For families like mine, daily movement has become a burden,” said Jibrin Abba, a 59-year-old trader and father of four. “Our children are terrified when we try to cross. Mothers carry babies over unstable planks. It’s exhausting.”
Residents say the bridge is not just a convenience but a lifeline.
“There’s no alternative route that doesn’t cost time and money,” explained Emmanuel Ibrahim, 46, another father of four. “Without that bridge, we can’t get to work, school, hospitals, or even home safely.”
Voices like Fatima Abdullahi’s echo through the community. A 52-year-old mother of seven, she recalls seeing construction crews arrive, only to vanish days later.
“They said work would continue, but no one has returned. Elderly people like me can’t walk the uneven detour paths. We’re pleading with the government to act before the rains begin again.”
With the rainy season on the horizon, residents fear total isolation if urgent action is not taken. The community is united in one message: they need help, and they need it fast.
