Moro Bridge Collapse: Commuters Struggle With Flooding, Extortion, and Economic Hardship

Commuters, residents, and business operators using the Moro Bridge, a key route linking parts of Oyo North to Ilorin, Kwara State, are facing severe hardship following the bridge’s collapse about two weeks ago.

The bridge, located after Madalla, connects several communities including Alapa, Ode-Giwa, Bakase, Igbeti, Kishi, Igboho, and Saki in the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State to Kwara State. Its collapse has brought movement to a near standstill, disrupted trade, and left hundreds of travellers stranded daily.

The incident reportedly occurred when a heavy truck loaded with stones collapsed an already weakened section of the bridge. Some lives were lost in the process. Days later, tragedy struck again when a young man was swept away by floodwaters while attempting to cross through a temporary diversion.

Since then, commuters have been forced to navigate a dangerous makeshift route that becomes completely impassable during rainfall. Vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians are often trapped in deep mud and floodwaters, with many relying on assistance from local youths to cross.

During visits to the site, travellers were seen waiting for hours as rising water levels made passage impossible. Motorists say heavy rains often cut off movement entirely, sometimes stranding people for hours or even days.

Commercial drivers have also raised concerns over rising costs and risks. One driver alleged he was asked to pay ₦15,000 before being assisted to pull his vehicle through the muddy section, though he said he pleaded for a lower fee without success.

Travellers also accused local touts, commonly called agberos, of exploiting the situation by charging varying fees to help vehicles, goods, and passengers cross difficult sections of the route. The touts, however, defended their involvement while urging government intervention to fix the road.

Businesses along the axis have been badly affected, with traders and transporters reporting losses due to delayed movement of goods and reduced passenger traffic. Many operators now avoid the route entirely or face long hours of delay that disrupt commercial activities.

Residents also expressed frustration over an abandoned alternative bridge project reportedly started nearly a decade ago beside the collapsed structure. They believe its completion could have prevented the current crisis.

Aside from recent dredging efforts by the state government, commuters say no major construction work has resumed on the unfinished project.

Local security personnel and residents are calling on both the Kwara State Government and the Federal Government to urgently intervene, warning that continued neglect could further isolate communities in Asa Local Government Area and parts of Oyo North, worsening the economic situation and increasing the risk of further casualties.