Youths and motorists in Benue State on Wednesday barricaded Gboko highway following the Federal Government’s delay in fixing a collapsed bridge on the road.

The strategic bridge succumbed to heavy rains over the weekend.

In response to the collapse of the bridge, a group of impassioned youths, operating under the banner of Mbayion Youths, took to the streets to urge the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to swiftly intervene and rectify the situation.

The bridge holds immense significance as it forms an integral part of a federal road network connecting Gboko to Aliade, close to Fidel Polytechnic within Gboko LGA of Benue State.

This vital transportation artery plays a crucial role in linking Enugu and other states in Nigeria’s southern region.

Its collapse also left profound repercussions for the local community, severing their connection to other parts of the state and the country.

The protesting youths warned residents and motorists not to contemplate travelling Gboko – Aliade road during the peaceful protest.

According to the leader of the youth group, Mr Denen Agber, “desperate action is a result of several futile attempts by the community to undertake makeshift repairs on the road, culminating in our decision to block the road.”

Agber further said the deplorable condition of the road and bridge has caused great pains and inconvenience to commuters in the area.

Meanwhile, the news of the protest has reached the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who has mobilized resources to address the issue.

Alia instructed the Commissioner for Works and Housing, Hon. Itiza Imojime, and other government officials, to assess the damage and devise a solution.

Imojime paid a visit to the community’s leader, Chief Moses Iortileyua, urging him to instruct his subjects to reopen the usable portion of the road to facilitate human traffic.

In doing so, he assured the community head of an immediate response to alleviate the hardships faced by the residents while the state government initiated dialogue with the Federal Government to seek a lasting solution to the road’s woes.

In response, Chief Iortileyua expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Alia for his swift response in averting imminent break down of law and order.

A Director of Civil Engineering in the Ministry pledged full compliance with the Commissioner’s directives, ensuring swift mobilization to the site for repair work to commence by Thursday.