Over 50 people have lost their lives this year alone in tragic canoe accidents on the Enyim/Oyongo River, a once-sole crossing point between Ebonyi and Benue States. For decades, the river served as a vital but dangerous route—especially for farmers and traders—until the construction of a bridge was finally flagged off.
Traditional ruler Cyprian Nwekee of Iziogo spoke emotionally about the community’s loss. “Many people lost their lives trying to transport their agricultural products to markets,” he said, recalling one heartbreaking incident involving a successful local farmer who drowned when his canoe capsized while carrying produce.
For years, canoes were the only link between Enyim in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and Igede in Oju, Benue State. These journeys were often made to markets like Iboko Agwo in Benue and others in Cross River, despite the risk.
During the rainy season, our people used to die a lot trying to cross the bridge inside a canoe.”During the rainy season, our people used to die a lot trying to cross the bridge inside a canoe.”
Ogba Isaac
The long-overdue intervention came on May 14, 2025, when Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru flagged off the construction of the Enyim Bridge. The 5-span bridge, being constructed by the Nigerian Army, is expected to be completed in nine months.
Both communities see the bridge not only as an end to tragedy but as a fresh start. It’s projected to boost economic and agricultural activity, cut travel time (e.g., Abakaliki to Oju now just 38 miles), and connect the “Salt of the Nation” (Ebonyi) with the “Food Basket of the Nation” (Benue).
As construction progresses, hope rises—hope that no more lives will be lost to a river that has already claimed too many.
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