{
  "id": 12681972,
  "title": "First Niger Bridge demarcation not demolished, FG dismisses rumour",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/first-niger-bridge-demarcation-not-demolished-fg-dismisses-rumour",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-07T18:26:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/first-niger-bridge-demarcation-not-demolished-fg-dismisses-rumour/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Federal Government has quelled rumours surrounding the demarcation on the First Niger Bridge, stating that it was not demolished as some have suggested. According to Timothy Emenike, the Federal Controller of Works for Anambra State, the demarcation was merely modified to allow for U-turns in emergencies, and to facilitate the work of agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps, fire service, and other traffic authorities. The bridge, linking Onitsha in Anambra State to Asaba in Delta State, was closed due to the need for rehabilitation and maintenance works after the discovery of damaged structural components. The reopening of the bridge, which was delayed by heavy rainfall, is expected in the near future.",
  "summary": "The Federal Government has dismissed rumours that the First Niger Bridge demarcation was demolished, clarifying that openings were created for emergency ac Read More: https://punchng.com/first-niger-bridge-demarcation-not-demolished-fg-dismisses-rumour/",
  "key_points": [
    "Federal Government denies rumors of First Niger Bridge demolition.",
    "Demarcation modified for emergencies and emergency services access.",
    "Bridge closure for rehabilitation, reopening expected soon."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "First Niger Bridge demarcation not demolished, FG dismisses rumour",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/first-niger-bridge-demarcation-not-demolished-fg-dismisses-rumour-12683904",
        "published": "2026-10-07T18:36:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}