The heavy downpour which began midnight on Sunday and continued till Monday has led to the collapse of the international bridge connecting Nigeria and Benin Republic in Chakanda, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The collapsed bridge constructed in 2010 during the administration of former Governor of Kwara state, Bukola Saraki could not withstand the volume of water that flooded it during the downpour.
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This has led to a temporary halt of socioeconomic activities between the two countries along that border.
Some of the commuters who spoke with Daily Sun want quick intervention of both countries in the interest of sustainable business activities.
Reacting to the development, the Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umar Usman Seriki called on the Federal Ministry of Works (FMW), the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the Kwara State Government to as a matter of urgency come to the aid of the people in the area so as to find urgent solution to the collapsed bridge.
One of the residents of Yashikira, Malam Lafia Gunu, said the situation was worrisome as his mother, Hajia Halima Lafia who travelled to Benin Republic is now stranded there due to the collapsed bridge.
He appealed to the relevant authorities to urgently embark on the repairs of the bridge or put in place an alternative route for commuters to ply particularly those who earn their daily living along that route.
In his reaction, the Federal Controller of Works overseeing kwara, North Central Nigeria, Engineer Kayode Ibrahim, disclosed that his men had already embarked on an accessment trip to ascertain the level of damage and to find a temporary solution .
Engineer Ibrahim said the staff of the Federal Ministry of Works would check the environment while the outcome of their visit would determine their next line of action.
He however, assured residents that an immediate solution shall be provided because of the economic importance of the bridge to the two West African countries.
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