Residents of Apata and Barika Agbowo communities in Ibadan North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Oyo State, have appealed to the government for the urgent reconstruction of the collapsed pedestrian bridge linking both communities. They warned that the situation has disrupted education, healthcare, businesses, and daily life.
The over 25-year-old bridge across Yemoja Stream, which connected Apata and Barika Agbowo, collapsed following heavy rainfall in late May and early June 2026. It had deteriorated for years despite repeated community-funded repairs.
In a letter addressed to the Political Head of Aare Latosa LCDA, the Apata/Barika Development Committee said residents had spent millions of naira over the years maintaining the bridge. The last rehabilitation in 2025 cost about ₦1.4 million. The committee, however, said the latest damage requires a complete reconstruction beyond the financial capacity of the two communities.
Speaking during an interview, the Project Coordinator and Current President of Agbowo Central Community, Alhaji Shikrulah Ayansola Alayande, said residents had noticed signs of structural failure weeks before the bridge eventually gave way.
According to him, leaders of Barika Agbowo and Apata communities had previously contributed about ₦2 million to reinforce the bridge with concrete after earlier defects were discovered. But the repairs only prolonged its lifespan.
“We held several meetings and formed committees to find a lasting solution, but we could not raise enough money to rebuild the bridge. We also appealed to the government several times, but no assistance came,” he said.
Alayande explained that although the bridge directly serves Barika Agbowo and Apata communities, it is also used daily by residents of neighbouring communities, traders, government workers, schoolchildren, and students of the University of Ibadan who rely on it as a shorter route to their homes.
He lamented that the collapse has created serious hardship, particularly for elderly residents and those with health challenges who now struggle to access a nearby government health centre.
“The collapse has affected healthcare, education, businesses, and transportation. People now spend more time and money moving from one community to another,” he added.
One of the affected parents, Mrs. Comfort Dominic Abdullahi, described how the collapsed bridge has disrupted her children’s education.
She said the alternative route through Agbowo and the University of Ibadan has made the daily journey stressful. It has forced her children to arrive late for school and made her consider transferring them to another school.
“It is now very difficult to get commercial vehicles in the morning. Sometimes my children cannot even go to school because of the stress. We are just managing,” she said.
Mrs. Abdullahi appealed to the government to urgently reconstruct the bridge. She noted that traders, patients, and schoolchildren across both communities are suffering from the prolonged closure.
She also advised parents not to allow their children to attempt crossing the damaged bridge, especially during heavy rainfall. She urged them to use safer routes through the University of Ibadan or Orogun until the bridge is rebuilt.
The elderly have also been among the worst affected.
Nearly 100-year-old Mrs. Taiwo Aduke said she now finds it extremely difficult to access medical treatment. The bridge had previously provided the easiest route to the health centre where she receives care.
“I have a problem with my hand and I normally receive treatment at the health centre. Since the bridge collapsed, getting there has become very difficult. People used to help me cross, but today there is nobody to assist me,” she lamented.
Appealing to the Oyo State Government and the Ibadan North LCDA, the nonagenarian pleaded for immediate intervention.
“We are pleading with the government to come to our rescue. Old people have little strength, and schoolchildren are also suffering. This is the rainy season. We don’t want floodwaters to carry our children away before help comes,” she said.
Residents are now calling on the Oyo State Government, Ibadan North LCDA, political representatives, philanthropists, and public-spirited individuals to urgently reconstruct the bridge before more lives and livelihoods are put at risk.
