What was meant to be a day of joy ended in heartbreak in Zamfara State after a deadly bridge collapse claimed the lives of at least 19 people.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, September 13, 2025, around 4:45 p.m. in Fass community, Gummi Local Government Area. A vehicle transporting a bride and her relatives reportedly plunged into the river below when the weakened Gwalli bridge suddenly gave way.

Eyewitnesses said the victims men, women, and children were returning from the wedding ceremony when the disaster struck. The deceased were later identified as family members of late Sheikh Dauda Fass, a former Zamfara State lawmaker.

Babangida Halifa Ibrahim Fass, a grieving relative, told reporters that his newly married sister was on her way to her husband’s home in Jega when tragedy struck.

“The car fell from the bridge into the water. As they were brought out, we found 19 of them dead, including men, women, and children,” he said, struggling to hold back tears.

Bridge in Disrepair for Years

The Gwalli bridge, which connects several rural communities, has been in a state of disrepair for years. Though it was rehabilitated during the administration of former Governor Abdulazeez Yari, it was severely eroded by floods seven years ago.

In early 2025, locals from Gwalli, Yar Gusau, and Fass pooled resources to patch the worst parts of the structure with sand and stones. But their effort was only a temporary fix.

On Saturday, the bridge finally gave way under the weight of the vehicle, leading to one of the deadliest accidents the community has witnessed in recent years.

Calls for Government Intervention

Shaken community leaders have described the incident as “avoidable” and accused authorities of neglect. They are urging both the Zamfara State Government and the Federal Government to rebuild the bridge immediately.

“This bridge is not just for Gwalli. It serves the entire Bardoki ward and is vital for farmers, traders, and schoolchildren,” a resident said. “If nothing is done, more lives may be lost.”

Community members are also calling for relief materials for the bereaved families and a permanent solution to crumbling infrastructure across the region.

For now, the entire Gummi axis is in mourning as preparations begin for a mass burial. The tragedy has sparked renewed conversations about Nigeria’s failing infrastructure and its deadly consequences, particularly for rural communities.