A bridge at Daku Sabon Gida village along Minna-Bida road has collapsed due to a two days heavy downpour.
The bridge which is about 16 kilometers to Bida is presently not noticeable for heavy truck, trailers and tankers.
The Niger state Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in a statement signed by Public Relations Officer (PRO), Raji Habibu Egigogo advised the motoring public to ply the alternative routes to avoid traffic hold-up and ensure free flow of vehicular movement.
He said the alternative routes include, vehicles coming from Abuja to follow Lambata – Lapai – Agaie – Bida enroute Mokwa -Jebba road, vehicles coming from Bida are advised to follow Agaie -Lapai enroute Minna or Lambata as the case may be while vehicles taking off from Minna to South West are advised to follow Paiko – Lapai -Agaie -Bida enroute Mokwa.
The statement said that there would be complete closure of the Minna – Bida road to ensure quick repairs of the bridge by the Niger State Ministry of Works appealing to the general public to be patient and adhere strictly to the alternative roads provided and always abide by the traffic rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, the Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has assured the people of his commitment to fixing the bridge washed away by the heavy downpour appealing motorists plying Minna-Bida Road to remain calm and patient.
In a statement issued and signed by the Media and Publicity Coordinator to the Governor, Mr. Jide Orintunsin in Minna, the Governor expressed concern over the plight of motorists and directed the state Ministry of Works to immediately provide an alternative route for motorists for a free flow of traffic while a permanent solution is effected on the failed section of the ever busy road in order to alleviate the sufferings of the villagers and motorists.
The statement attributed the incident to a natural disaster due to a heavy downpour of rain stating that the deteriorating effect of heavy duty and articulated vehicular movement on the road since it has become the only link between the south-west and the North Western part of the country also contributed to the collapse.
He said that government would resolve to repair the affected section within the shortest period to alleviate the plight of road users.
The Honourable Commissioner for Works Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe Kagara has visited the site along with the contractor handling the repairs of the road for an on the spot assessment of the damage.
The Commissioner then directed the contractor handling the renovation of the road to ensure the repair is carried out in the next 24 hours in order to alleviate sufferings of motorists plying the road.
