19 Killed as Vehicle Carrying Bride’s Family Plunges into River After Zamfara Bridge Collapse

 At least 19 people have died in Zamfara State after a vehicle carrying a bride and her relatives plunged into a river when the Gwalli Bridge collapsed in Fass community, Gummi Local Government Area.

The tragic accident occurred on Saturday, September 13, 2025, around 4:45 p.m., as wedding guests were traveling from Fass to Jega. Victims included men, women, and children — all members of the family of the late Sheikh Dauda Fass, a former lawmaker in the Zamfara State House of Assembly.

A relative, Babangida Halifa Ibrahim Fass, described the heartbreaking scene:

“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.”

The Gwalli Bridge, a key link for communities in the Gummi axis, had been in disrepair for years. Although rehabilitated during the administration of former Governor Abdulazeez Yari, heavy rains eroded its structure seven years ago. Villagers had resorted to communal repairs earlier this year, but the patchwork could not withstand the strain.

Local leaders have condemned the tragedy as avoidable, blaming government neglect of rural infrastructure. They are urging both the Federal and State governments to urgently rebuild the bridge and provide relief for grieving families.

Mass burials have since been held for the victims, with the community plunged into deep mourning. Residents warn that unless the bridge is rebuilt quickly, more lives will be lost, as it remains vital for transport, trade, and daily life in the area.