Kwara Bridge Collapse Disrupts Travel and Food Transport
Food supply disruptions may emerge in Kwara and neighbouring states following the collapse of the popular Mooro bridge along the Ilorin–Igbeti Road. The bridge, which connects Ilorin with Kaiama and Baruten Local Councils, regarded as the food basket of the state, collapsed on Wednesday night, halting vehicular movement along the corridor. Travellers were stranded, while pedestrians also faced difficulties as motorists sought alternative routes.
Residents and travellers said the bridge caved in under the weight of a heavy-duty truck. The structure links Ilorin to the northern axis of Kwara State, particularly Kaiama and Baruten Local Councils, from where large volumes of food are transported to the state capital and beyond. The Guardian learnt that many stranded motorists, mostly farmers, expressed concern that the collapse could affect food supply to Ilorin and surrounding areas. They said the bridge connects central Kwara to the northern region, which supplies a significant share of food to the capital, as well as to Ogbomoso and other parts of the South-West.
A farmer of perishable goods, Abdul Seidu, said: “Here we are again, like always each time this same bridge collapses, movement is always full stop.” He urged the state and federal governments to find a lasting solution to the recurring problem.
Meanwhile, the state government has deployed engineers from the Ministry of Works to begin palliative work on alternative routes to ease traffic. In a statement issued in Ilorin, the Press Secretary of the ministry, Olajide Moyo Abolarin, said the state government is collaborating with federal authorities on traffic diversion along the old Moro bridge. The statement added that the government expects progress on the new Moro bridge, currently under construction a few metres away. It said: “State traffic managers are to work with transport unions and commuters to maintain orderly passage on the alternative route while palliative work begins immediately on the old iron-made bridge. We call for patience and understanding of road users and others while the emergency is resolved.”
Findings indicate that the Moro bridge serves as a major route for the evacuation of farm produce from communities in Moro, Baruten and Kaiama into markets in Igbeti, Igboho, Saki and other parts of Oyo North. The corridor supports the movement of staple crops such as yam, cassava, maize and grains, making it vital to food distribution across the sub-region. Traders and farmers said that when the bridge is in good condition, it guarantees steady movement of agricultural produce, reduces post-harvest losses and helps stabilise food prices in adjoining markets. They added that any disruption along the route leads to delays in supply, increased spoilage of perishable goods and a rise in prices, particularly in urban centres dependent on rural produce.
The bridge also links the Ilorin–Igbeti corridor, providing a shorter and more cost-effective route for commuters, transporters and haulage operators moving between Kwara and Oyo states. The route is considered strategic for cross-border movement towards the Benin Republic. Residents noted that when the bridge becomes impassable, transport fares rise sharply as drivers are forced to take longer alternative routes. This increases the cost of moving goods and passengers, while exposing commuters to safety risks and delays.
Beyond agriculture and transport, the bridge supports broader economic integration in the region by facilitating inter-state commerce, sustaining petty trading and contributing to local revenue generation for communities along the corridor. Stakeholders said sustained investment in the maintenance and rehabilitation of the Moro bridge is essential to preserve livelihoods, ensure food security and sustain economic activities across the Kwara–Oyo axis.
