Residents of Afghanistan Community in Garko Ward, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, are facing severe hardship after the collapse of a critical bridge linking the area to nearby towns and healthcare facilities. The situation has left more than 4,000 residents, including pregnant women, struggling to access essential medical services.
The deteriorating infrastructure has reportedly contributed to delays in emergency medical care, with community members recounting cases of expectant mothers being unable to reach health centres during labour due to flooding and impassable roads. Residents say the bridge, which serves as the community’s only access route, becomes unsafe or completely inaccessible during the rainy season.
Beyond healthcare, the damaged bridge has also disrupted access to schools, markets and other social services, affecting livelihoods and daily activities. Community leaders have renewed calls on government authorities to urgently reconstruct the bridge and improve road infrastructure to prevent further loss of lives and economic hardship.
Residents warn that without immediate intervention, the community will remain isolated whenever heavy rains occur, leaving vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women and children, at greater risk.
Experienced broadcast journalist with over 5 years of experience in reporting, multimedia editing, and storytelling across both traditional and digital media. I currently work with Vision FM 92.1 and Daily Frontier, where I report on security, conflict, and humanitarian issues, while also translating news into Hausa and Pidgin to reach wider audiences.
I also serve as a correspondent for Daily Frontier in Plateau and Benue States, Nigeria, covering security, conflict, and humanitarian developments in the region.
I hold a Diploma in Mass Communication from Adamawa State Polytechnic and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the National Open University of Nigeria.
