At least 19 people, including men, women, and children, have died after a dilapidated bridge in Fass community, Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State collapsed.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday around 4:45 pm when a vehicle carrying wedding guests fell through the weakened Gwalli bridge into the water beneath. One of those who lost loved ones, Babangida Halifa Ibrahim Fass, said the victims were being transported to the groom’s home in Jega.
The bride’s father in the wedding was the late Sheikh Dauda Fass, a former member of the State House of Assembly. The deceased are scheduled to be buried the following morning.
Locals say the bridge, which connects Fass, Gwalli, and Yar Gusau communities among others, has been unsafe for years. Previously renovated during the tenure of former Governor Abdulaziz Yari, it was severely damaged by rainfall about seven years ago. Earlier attempts to repair the bridge, including filling damaged sections with sand by community efforts, failed to restore its safety.
Residents blame government neglect for the tragedy. They describe enduring hardship—especially during the rainy season—having to navigate floodwaters or cross unsafe passageways just to bury the dead or go about their lives.
Government authorities were initially said to be unaware. When contacted, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, spokesperson for Governor Dauda Lawal, claimed no prior information about the community or the collapse, and said he would reach out to relevant officials. Subsequent attempts to obtain further comments were unsuccessful.
Community members are now urging both state and federal governments to immediately rebuild the bridge to prevent another such disaster.
