Flood wrecks Keana bridge in Nasarawa, Omeri cries out

From Abel Leonard, Lafia

Former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and indigene of Keana Local Government Area, Dr Mike Omeri, has decried the devastating flood incident of Friday, August 29, which washed away the bridge connecting Keana with Lafia and other communities in the area, largely affecting the foremost historical Keana Salt Village.

“This unfortunate development has left several people stranded, disrupting movement, trade, education, and access to basic healthcare. The bridge, which serves as a critical lifeline for Keana residents, has become impassable, posing serious risks of worsening hardship if immediate action is not taken,” Omeri lamented.

Omeri, in a statement on Tuesday, stressed that the collapse of the bridge has affected a major source of livelihood and tourism, the Keana Salt Village, which remains a vital means of earning a living for mostly women in the community.

“The collapse of this vital infrastructure is not just a physical setback; it is a humanitarian emergency that requires swift intervention,” he said.

The former NOA DG explained that the flooding also affected a major link between Keana, Giza, Kadarko, Kwara, and adjoining communities, noting the need for urgent action.

Omeri called on the Nasarawa State Government to prioritise emergency repairs and provide temporary alternative routes, while urging the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA to deploy resources for durable reconstruction of the bridge.

He also appealed to community leaders and civil society organisations to complement government efforts with grassroots relief and awareness campaigns, in line with NiMet’s early alert protocols.

“What has happened in Keana must not be treated as an isolated event. It is a reminder that we must work together—government, stakeholders, and citizens—to build stronger systems that safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the economy from recurring disasters,” Omeri added.