By Abel Zwanke, Lafia
Former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Mike Omeri, has raised alarm over the devastating flood that destroyed the bridge linking Keana with Lafia and other adjoining communities in Nasarawa State.
The collapse has cut off the historic Keana Salt Village, leaving residents stranded and disrupting trade, education, and access to healthcare. Omeri, who hails from Keana Local Government Area, described the situation as a humanitarian emergency requiring urgent government intervention.
“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,” he said.
Omeri noted that the disaster had not only crippled transportation but also undermined the economic and tourism potential of the Keana Salt Village, a key source of livelihood for many women in the area. He urged the Nasarawa State Government to prioritise emergency repairs while calling on the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to mobilise resources for a durable reconstruction.
He also appealed to community leaders and civil society organisations to support relief efforts and strengthen awareness campaigns, stressing the need for residents to heed early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
“The collapse of this vital infrastructure is not just a physical setback; it is a humanitarian emergency that requires swift intervention. 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 said.
