A colonial-era bridge linking Kwara State to Oyo State has collapsed, stranding motorists and causing hardship for commuters. The Moro Bridge, located on the Ilorin–Igbeti Federal Highway, has been overwhelmed by persistent flooding, cutting off vehicular movement and leaving drivers, traders, and passengers to contend with a treacherous crossing. The collapse has affected commercial drivers who depend on the route for their daily income.
Commuters are now forced to wade through murky water, balance bags and sacks on their heads, and squeeze across a makeshift bridge of timber poles and planks. The narrow wooden footbridge, made from timber poles and planks, has become a lifeline for pedestrians, motorcyclists, and travelers. However, the structure has no visible structural reinforcement, guardrails, or safety barriers, posing a significant risk to users.
The difficult crossing has opened up a small source of income for some young people in the community. A minor identified as Khalid helps commuters carry their belongings across the flooded section for a small fee of between N100 and N200. However, the flooded crossing has wiped out the earnings of others, particularly transport operators who have spent heavily trying to keep the road passable.
The Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria in Oko-Olowo, Solihu Alade, said transporters had spent over N600,000 on materials to create access. He urged the state and Federal Governments to find a way of controlling the volume and direction of water flowing towards the temporary crossing. Alade noted that simply providing an alternative passage would not solve the problem if floodwater continued to overwhelm it.
Alade expressed concern that two vehicles were already stranded around the affected section, at risk of being swept away if the water level increased. He recalled that after the original bridge collapsed, the government provided a container structure as a temporary crossing, but it was later overwhelmed by flooding. The situation has become particularly difficult for commercial drivers, who depend on the route for their livelihood.
The collapse has effectively cut off the source of income for commercial drivers, who are now struggling to navigate the route. Drivers have reported that vehicles coming from Alapa and Mandala are stranded and cannot cross to Oko-Olowo. The economic impact is becoming serious, with many vehicles parked at the motor park. The disruption has also forced some passengers to abandon conventional transportation and attempt the crossing on foot.
Residents of Alapa and surrounding communities are also feeling the effects of the damaged crossing. A resident of Alapa community, Jamiu Oluwapelumi, said the prolonged disruption had affected farmers, traders, and other residents who relied on the road for their daily activities. The government has been urged to assist the community and find a lasting solution to the problem.
Key points
- The collapse of the Moro Bridge has cut off vehicular movement between Kwara State and Oyo State.
- Commuters are using a makeshift bridge, posing a significant risk to users.
- Transport operators have spent over N600,000 trying to keep the road passable.
