Bridge collapse in Kwara cuts key route between statesA heavy-duty truck crossed the Moro Bridge in Kwara State early on Thursday morning and the structure gave way beneath its weight.
The incident happened around 5am on the Ilorin-Igbeti Federal Highway in Asa Local Government Area.
The bridge, a colonial-era Bailey type, links Kwara and Oyo states and serves more than 20 communities.
No one lost their life in the collapse.
Commuters now face long detours as vehicles sit idle on both sides of the broken crossing.
Traders who move farm produce from the northern parts of Kwara, including Kaiama and Baruten areas, say the disruption already affects the flow of goods.
Travel times have increased and transport costs have risen for many residents who depend on this road for daily movement.
The Kwara State Government moved quickly to set up traffic diversions.
Officials say they have started palliative work on alternative routes while they work with federal authorities on longer-term fixes.
Construction of a new bridge nearby has reached about 40 percent completion.
Residents point out that the old bridge had shown signs of weakness for years and had received repairs in the past.
Some mention reports of funds released for work on the crossing, though details remain unclear.
For now, drivers and pedestrians must use longer paths, and authorities ask the public to show patience as repairs continue.
The situation highlights the pressure on older infrastructure that thousands of people and businesses rely on every day.
