The bridge reportedly gave way around 5 a.m. on Thursday after a heavy-duty truck passed over it, leading to a sudden collapse and the blocking of a key transport route linking Kwara and Oyo states
Vehicular movement has been severely disrupted along the Ilorin–Igbeti Federal Highway in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State following the collapse of the Moro Bridge, leaving commuters stranded and forcing the state government to introduce immediate traffic diversion measures.
According to PUNCH, the bridge reportedly gave way around 5 a.m. on Thursday after a heavy-duty truck passed over it, leading to a sudden collapse and the blocking of a key transport route linking Kwara and Oyo states.
Motorists and other road users described the incident as a major setback, saying it has disrupted commercial activities, delayed the movement of goods and services, and increased transport fares.
A businesswoman, Kafayat, told PUNCH Online: “This development has negatively affected economic activities, causing delays and increasing the cost of transportation for commuters and businesses.”
In response, the Kwara State Government, through the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, announced immediate traffic diversion to reduce the impact of the collapse.
He advised motorists to be cautious and to make use of alternative routes while efforts are underway to ease congestion and restore order.
“The Kwara State Government is working with federal authorities to immediately divert traffic following the collapse of the Moro Bridge overnight,” he said.
Olododo explained that the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday after a heavy-duty truck crossed the bridge, resulting in its failure and causing major traffic disruption.
He added that engineers had already been deployed to the site to commence palliative work on diversion routes aimed at easing vehicular movement.
“Engineers have been mobilised to begin palliative work on diversion routes to reduce the hardship being experienced by road users,” he stated.
The commissioner further disclosed that the state had received assurances from federal authorities that work was ongoing on a new bridge located a short distance from the collapsed structure.
He also directed traffic management teams to work with transport unions to ensure orderly movement, while appealing to commuters for patience.
The Moro Bridge, situated along the Ilorin–Igbeti Federal Highway between Oko-Olowo/Mandala in Ilorin West and Asa Local Government Area, is a key link between Kwara and Oyo states.
The colonial-era Bailey bridge has long served as a critical crossing point but has remained structurally fragile over the years, undergoing repeated rehabilitation due to recurring damage.
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