Keffi, Nasarawa State – Just three short weeks after its grand official opening, a newly commissioned flyover in Keffi, Nasarawa State, has suffered a catastrophic collapse, sending shockwaves across the nation and sparking widespread outrage. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, has not only claimed the lives of two individuals and left two others seriously injured, but has also ignited a fervent debate about construction standards, accountability, and the prudent use of public funds in Nigeria.
The flyover, a project reportedly costing a staggering ₦10 billion, was touted as a significant infrastructural achievement for Nasarawa State and a vital link in the transport corridor connecting the Federal Capital Territory to other parts of the North-Central region. Its swift demise has turned a symbol of progress into a stark emblem of potential systemic failures.
Initial reports from eyewitnesses and subsequent statements from authorities indicate that the collapse was triggered by a heavy-duty truck transporting an oversized excavator, which reportedly rammed into the structure. The impact dislodged one of the flyover’s beams entirely, causing it to crash onto unsuspecting commuters below, and severely compromised two others. Response teams and security operatives swiftly moved to the scene, working to rescue victims and cordon off the area to prevent further casualties. The injured are currently receiving urgent medical attention at a nearby hospital.
ALSO READ: https://nationscuriosity.com/mazi-nnamdi-kanus-release-questions-for-the-federal-high-court-ipob/
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has since visited the site, expressing condolences to the families of those affected and issuing a directive for immediate emergency repairs. The Federal Government has announced a 30-day timeline to complete these repairs, with assurances that the integrity of the flyover will be fully restored before it is reopened to the public. Efforts are underway to source funds through an intervention window to facilitate the swift reconstruction.
However, beyond the immediate response, the incident has unearthed deeper concerns. How could a structure, barely weeks old and costing such a colossal sum, be so vulnerable? This question is at the heart of the brewing storm, with many calling for a comprehensive and transparent investigation. While the overloaded truck is cited as the immediate cause, questions are being raised about whether structural defects, inadequate design, or lax enforcement of regulations on heavy-duty vehicles played a contributing role.

Residents, already grappling with the economic implications of the damaged thoroughfare, are demanding answers and accountability. The collapse has not only disrupted traffic flow but has also eroded public trust in ongoing and future infrastructure projects. There is a palpable sense of anger and frustration, as citizens ponder how billions of naira can be spent on projects that seemingly lack durability.
This unfortunate event serves as a critical wake-up call. It underscores the urgent need for stringent quality control measures in all public works, robust oversight of contractors, and a zero-tolerance approach to corruption that may compromise the integrity of vital infrastructure. The people of Nasarawa State, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve to know how a ₦10 billion investment could crumble so spectacularly, so soon after its much-heralded completion. The outcome of the ongoing investigations will be crucial in determining not only the immediate cause but also the long-term reforms needed to prevent such a tragedy from recurring.