The National President of Heavy Duty Drivers Association, Uchenna Nebuwa, says members of the association and other drivers no longer use the Second Niger Bridge because of security concerns.
Nebuwa who revealed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Onitsha, Anambra State, said criminals have taken over the route, including Obosi-Owerri axis of the road.
He added that, hoodlums, armed robbers and kidnappers now operate along the bridge.
“Drivers are afraid because there is no adequate security on the Second Niger Bridge.
“Federal Government should provide security to secure lives and property.
“Another worrisome one is the failed portions of Obosi-Owerri Road as our trucks fall on the road on daily basis.
“We have lost over N20 billion worth of vehicles and goods on that road.
“We are begging Federal Government to help us fix the failed portions of Obosi-Owerri Road as this will encourage drivers to be using the Second Niger Bridge.”
READ ALSO: FAAN Suspends Taxi Services At Abuja Airport
Chukwuemeka Olekpe, the Chairman, Great Tippers Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, expressed concern about the security situation, saying the criminals have scared them away from using the bridge.
On his part, a commercial bus driver, Paul Osakwe, who plies Asaba-Owerri Road, said drivers avoid the area because the bridge has become lonely and insecure.
Osakwe said: “The bridge is not secure. It’s too lonely. You can’t even try to use it at night. Even you inside the bus will be scared.
“Government should at least install light on the bridge.
Maybe that will help.”
Seyi Martins, the engineer in charge of the bridge, also attributed its low usage to the security challenges in the South East, adding that their mandate was to construct the bridge and open it to ease traffic.
