A teacher has reportedly drowned while another resident sustained serious injuries after falling from a dangerous bamboo bridge in Adum-Oye community, Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
The makeshift bridge, built across the Ọtọ River with bamboo stalks and local ropes, serves as the main route connecting residents to essential facilities, including a secondary school, hospital and market.
Residents said the bridge has become particularly dangerous during the rainy season, forcing many people to risk their lives while crossing the river.
The latest incident occurred on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, when 54-year-old Odehe Andrew Agbo reportedly fell from the bridge into the river.
Agbo sustained serious injuries, including wounds to his foot and head, following the fall.
A community member, Agburu Sunday Eje, said the condition of the bridge has repeatedly exposed residents to danger.
He explained that children, traders and parents carrying goods are among those who regularly use the unstable crossing because there is no safer alternative route.
Eje also recalled the death of a teacher identified as Otor Igo, who reportedly drowned after falling from the same bridge.
He said the teacher, who was believed to be about 58 years old at the time, could not be rescued because nobody was available to help when he fell into the river.
According to Eje, the situation has also affected education in the community, with children reportedly stopping school during the rainy season because of the danger involved in crossing the river.
He said the problem becomes an annual occurrence whenever the river rises, leaving families worried about the safety of their children.
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Eje added that he also sustained injuries while travelling to the community after receiving a call about his uncle’s accident.
He said the poor condition of the road contributed to the accident, resulting in a dislocated knee and other minor injuries.
Residents have appealed to the Benue State Government, Federal Government, non-governmental organisations, philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals to intervene.
They are asking for the construction of a permanent bridge across the Ọtọ River to prevent further deaths and injuries.
The residents said a safe bridge would also improve access to education, healthcare and markets, while reducing the isolation faced by the community during the rainy season.
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