Taraba Flood Crisis: Men Carry Women on Heads as Roads Remain Impassable

In the heart of Taraba State, residents are still navigating flooded streets by an age‑old method: men carrying women on their heads to cross the water‑logged roads. This vivid scene, captured in Jalingo this week, underscores how the promise made by Governor Darius Ishaku Lamido during his 2022 campaign to fix the region’s deteriorating road network remains unkept as of 2026. The Taraba flooded road dilemma has become a daily reality for thousands, prompting urgent calls for concrete action from both state officials and the federal government.

Why the Flooded Roads Persist

Taraba’s topography is a blend of highlands and low‑lying floodplains, making it especially vulnerable during the rainy season. While the state receives an average of 1,500 mm of rain annually, inadequate drainage and poorly maintained roadways exacerbate the problem. The Jalingo‑Karim‑Lamido corridor, a key artery linking market towns, has been submerged for weeks, turning a 15‑kilometre stretch into a makeshift river.

Experts point to three core issues: insufficient budget allocation, delayed procurement processes, and a lack of coordinated effort between the state Ministry of Works and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. In 2024, the federal budget earmarked ₦12 billion for flood‑mitigation projects in the North‑East, yet only a fraction reached Taraba due to bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Local NGOs, such as the Taraba Community Development Initiative, have documented the recurring nature of these floods, noting that similar incidents occurred in 2019 and 2021. Their reports highlight that without proper culverts and raised roadbeds, any heavy rainfall will inevitably swamp the existing infrastructure.

Community Coping Mechanisms

While officials debate funding, residents have resorted to time‑honoured coping strategies. In villages along the Jalingo‑Karim‑Lamido road, men often balance women, children, and even small parcels on their heads to cross the water safely. This practice, rooted in cultural norms of respect and protection, reflects both resilience and the stark lack of alternatives.

“We have no choice,” says Abdul Khalid, a 38‑year‑old farmer from Karim. “The road is a river now, and the only way to get my wife to the market is to carry her on my head. It’s tiring, but it’s safer than wading through the water.”

Women, too, have adapted. Some have formed informal “bridge groups” where they assist each other in crossing, while others use makeshift rafts fashioned from wooden planks and discarded plastic drums. These grassroots solutions, though inventive, are far from sustainable.

Political Promises vs. Ground Reality

Governor Lamido’s 2022 campaign slogan, “Roads that connect, not divide,” resonated with voters across the state. He pledged to allocate ₦50 billion for road rehabilitation within his first two years. However, as of 2026, only a handful of minor road patches have been completed, and the main Jalingo‑Karim‑Lamido stretch remains in disrepair.

Political analysts attribute the gap to a combination of over‑optimistic campaigning and the complex logistics of executing large‑scale infrastructure projects in remote areas. The governor’s office released a statement in March 2026 acknowledging delays, citing “unforeseen technical challenges” and “ongoing procurement reviews.” Critics argue that these explanations mask deeper issues of mismanagement and lack of political will.

Opposition parties have seized the moment, organising rallies in affected towns and demanding a parliamentary inquiry. In a recent protest in Jalingo, over 500 residents marched, chanting “Roads now, not promises later!” The demonstration attracted national media attention, putting additional pressure on state officials.

Economic and Social Impact

The flooded road has ripple effects beyond inconvenience. Traders report a 30 % drop in market attendance during peak flood periods, directly affecting household incomes. Schoolchildren miss up to three weeks of classes each year because they cannot safely reach their schools, contributing to lower attendance rates in the region.

Healthcare access is also compromised. The nearest primary health centre in Karim is a 20‑minute walk under normal conditions; during floods, patients rely on boat rides or the risky head‑carrying method, delaying emergency care.

Women’s groups have highlighted how the situation exacerbates gender inequalities. “When men have to carry us, it reinforces the notion that women are dependent,” says Aisha Mohammed, founder of the Women’s Empowerment Network in Taraba. “We need infrastructure that empowers, not one that forces us back into traditional roles.”

Potential Solutions and Way Forward

Addressing the Taraba flooded road crisis requires a multi‑pronged approach. First, the state must fast‑track the procurement of high‑quality materials and engage reputable contractors with proven experience in flood‑prone regions. Transparent monitoring mechanisms, possibly overseen by civil society, can ensure funds are used appropriately.

Second, immediate low‑cost interventions—such as installing temporary steel bridges, constructing drainage culverts, and clearing blocked waterways—can provide relief while long‑term projects are underway.

Third, leveraging technology can improve planning. Satellite imagery and GIS mapping, already used by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, can identify the most vulnerable road segments, allowing targeted upgrades.

Finally, community participation is essential. Involving local labour in construction not only creates jobs but also fosters ownership, ensuring that newly built roads are maintained.

FAQ

• Why are men still carrying women on their heads in Taraba? The main road remains flooded due to inadequate drainage and unfinished repairs, leaving residents with no safe crossing alternatives.
• What did Governor Lamido promise during his campaign? He pledged ₦50 billion for road rehabilitation within two years, aiming to transform key routes like the Jalingo‑Karim‑Lamido road.
• What immediate actions can the government take? Quick‑win solutions include temporary bridges, culvert installation, and clearing of drainage channels while longer‑term reconstruction proceeds.

Until decisive action is taken, the image of men balancing women on their heads will continue to symbolize both the resilience of Taraba’s people and the urgent need for accountable governance.

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