Commuters stranded as bridge collapses on Kwara highway

Vehicular movement has been heavily disrupted along the Ilorin–Igbeti Federal Highway in Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State, following the collapse of the Moro Bridge. The incident prompted immediate intervention from the state government.

According to reports, the bridge reportedly gave way around 5 a.m. on Thursday under the weight of a heavy-duty truck. The collapse has cut off a critical transport link, leaving numerous commuters stranded and causing major delays along the highway.

Motorists and other road users lamented the development, describing it as a major setback that has disrupted commercial activities, delayed the movement of goods and services, and increased transportation costs.

A businesswoman, who identified herself simply as Kafayat, said: “This development has negatively affected economic activities, causing delays and increasing the cost of transportation for commuters and businesses.”

Reacting in a statement issued through the Press Secretary of the Ministry, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, announced immediate traffic diversion to cushion the effects of the incident.

He urged motorists to exercise caution while navigating alternative routes to minimise inconvenience and prevent further incidents.

“The Kwara State Government is working with federal authorities to immediately divert traffic following the collapse of the Moro Bridge overnight,” the commissioner stated.

“The collapse occurred in the early hours of today after a heavy-duty truck passed over the bridge, resulting in a major disruption along the route,” he added.

He further disclosed that engineers had been deployed to the area to commence immediate palliative work on alternative routes to ease vehicular congestion.

“Engineers have been mobilised to begin palliative work on diversion routes to reduce the hardship being experienced by road users,” Olododo said.

He added that the state government had received assurances from federal authorities that construction was ongoing on a new Moro Bridge located a few metres away from the collapsed structure.

The commissioner also said traffic managers had been directed to collaborate with transport unions to ensure orderly movement, while appealing to commuters for patience.

The Moro Bridge, located along the Ilorin–Igbeti Federal Highway between Oko-Olowo/Mandala in Ilorin West and Asa Local Government Area, serves as a vital link connecting Kwara and Oyo states.

The colonial-era Bailey bridge has long been a critical but fragile crossing point linking Kwara’s northern district to Oyo State and onward routes toward the Benin Republic border. It has undergone repeated rehabilitation over the years due to recurring structural distress.

(Punch)