Due to the collapse of a bridge between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin at Chikanda in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, international trade between the two nations was suspended on Monday. The bridge fell following a downpour that lasted from last Sunday through Monday. The bridge that collapsed was built in 2010. Some commuters pleaded with both countries to act quickly for the sake of sustainable company operations while speaking to journalists.
Yashikira resident Mallam Lafia Gunu expressed concern about the situation since his mother, Hajia Halima Lafia, who had traveled to the Benin Republic, was left trapped as a result of the bridge collapse.
Alhaji Umar Seriki, the Emir of Yashikira, requested assistance for the locals from the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, and the Kwara State Government.
Kayode Ibrahim, the Federal Controller of Works in charge of Kwara North Central, reported that his men had already left to assess the extent of the damage. Ibrahim stated that after inspecting the surroundings, the staff would decide on their next course of action.
However, he gave the locals his word that there would be a speedy fix because the bridge was so vital to the economies of the two West African nations. In the meantime, the Kwara State House of Assembly requested the state governor to swiftly mobilize funds for the team of engineers from the Ministry of Works and Transport to fix the road for the benefit of the public during its plenary session on Tuesday.
