By Awyetu Asabe Hope
Commuters along the Ilorin–Igbeti Federal Highway in Kwara State were stranded on Monday after floodwaters submerged the already collapsed Moro Bridge, disrupting movement along the busy interstate corridor.
The flooding followed an overnight downpour that caused the Moro River to overflow, trapping vehicles and forcing some passengers to climb onto car roofs while awaiting assistance.
The bridge, located between the Oko-Olowo/Mandala axis in Ilorin West and Asa Local Government Area, collapsed on April 30 after a heavy-duty truck reportedly passed over the ageing structure.
Its failure severed a key transport link connecting parts of Kwara State to neighbouring Oyo State and routes leading toward the Benin Republic border.
Monday’s flooding further worsened the situation, as the temporary diversion earlier promised by the state government remains incomplete.
Residents and motorists expressed frustration over delays in emergency intervention works, warning that conditions could deteriorate further as the rainy season intensifies.
A trader, Kafayat, said the disruption had stalled economic activities, increased travel time, and raised transportation costs for commuters and businesses.
Residents also questioned why an alternative bridge project near the collapsed structure has remained abandoned for years.
Following the April collapse, the Kwara State Government announced traffic diversion measures and pledged urgent intervention.
The Commissioner for Works, Abdulquawiy Olododo, said the government was collaborating with federal authorities to ease commuter hardship and fast-track construction of a new bridge near the damaged site.
Despite these assurances, the latest flooding has heightened concerns over commuter safety and the pace of government response.
