The Heavy Duty Drivers Association (HDDA) has said its members observed the second Niger Bridge is now a den of robbers and kidnappers.
HDDA’s President, Uchenna Nebuwa revealed that due to security concerns, members of the association and other drivers have stopped using the second Niger Bridge.
Nebuwa explained that criminals have taken control of the route, particularly the Obosi-Owerri axis of the road.
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Nebuwa said:
“Drivers are afraid because there is no adequate security on the second Niger Bridge.
The federal government should provide security to secure lives and property.
Another worrisome one is the failed portions of Obosi-Owerri road, as our trucks fall on the road daily.
“We have lost over N20 billion worth of vehicles and goods on that road.
“We are begging the federal government to help us fix the failed portions of Obosi-Owerri road as this will encourage drivers to be using the second Niger Bridge.”
A commercial bus driver, Paul Osakwe, who plies Asaba-Owerri said:
“The bridge is not secure, it’s too lonely, you can’t even try to use it at night, even you inside the bus will be scared, the government should at least install a light on the bridge, maybe that will help.”
Seyi Martins, the engineer responsible for the bridge, acknowledged that its low usage was a direct result of the insecurity plaguing the South-East region.
Martins further stated that their primary objective was to construct the bridge and open it to alleviate traffic congestion.
In light of the development, Mahmuda Mamman, the permanent secretary of the federal works ministry inspected the vandalized section of the bridge on Wednesday.
Mamman urged security agencies to take immediate action to keep criminals away from the bridge and its surrounding areas.
