The International Bridge linking both Nigeria and Benin Republic in Chakanda, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, has collapsed as a result of a heavy downpour from Sunday to Monday.
The socio-economic and trading activities have been halted between the two countries since the mishap occurred.
The collapsed bridge, which was constructed in 2010, during the administration of former Governor of Kwara state, Bukola Saraki, could no longer contain the volume of water that flooded it during the downpour.
The Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umar Usman Seriki, has called on the Federal Ministry of Works, 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.
Meanwhile, the Federal Controller of Works in charge of Kwara, North Central Nigeria, Engineer Kayode Ibrahim, disclosed that his men have already embarked on an assessment trip to ascertain the level of damage and to find a temporary solution.
He 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 affirmed that an immediate solution shall be provided because of the economic importance of the bridge to the two West African countries.
