Vehicular movement has been significantly hindered along the Ilorin–Igbeti Federal Highway in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State after the collapse of the Moro Bridge, triggering rapid response from the state authorities.
According to media reports, the bridge reportedly gave way around 5 a.m. on Thursday after a heavy-duty truck drove across it, severing a major transport route and leaving several commuters stranded.
Drivers and other road users decried the incident, calling it a serious setback that has interrupted commercial activities, slowed down the movement of goods and services, and raised transportation costs.
A businesswoman, who identified herself simply as Kafayat, told media reports: “This development has negatively affected economic activities, causing delays and increasing the cost of transportation for commuters and businesses.”
Responding in a statement released through the Press Secretary of the Ministry, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, announced immediate diversion of traffic to mitigate the impact of the situation.
He advised motorists to remain cautious while using alternative routes to reduce inconvenience and avoid further mishaps.
“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 revealed that engineers had been dispatched to the site to begin urgent palliative repairs on diversion routes to ease traffic flow.
“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 been assured by federal authorities that work was ongoing on a new Moro Bridge situated a few metres from the collapsed structure.
The commissioner also noted that traffic officials had been instructed to work with transport unions to maintain orderly movement, while urging commuters to remain patient.
The Moro Bridge, situated along the Ilorin–Igbeti Federal Highway between Oko-Olowo/Mandala in Ilorin West and Asa Local Government Area, functions as a key link connecting Kwara and Oyo states.
The colonial-era Bailey bridge has remained an essential but delicate crossing point linking Kwara’s northern district to Oyo State and onward routes toward the Benin Republic border. It has undergone several rounds of repairs over the years due to persistent structural weaknesses.
