The Community Voice Network (CVN) last weekend visited the Weru River in Weru Village, Magida Ward, Ipaye District of Moro Local Government Area, in the Northern part of Kwara State, and the situation there is heartbreaking. The Weru Bridge, a critical infrastructure connecting over 100 communities, is on the verge of collapse.
This bridge is not just a local resource, it is a vital artery linking Alapa, Banni, Kaiama, Baruten, and even the border with Benin Republic. It is an economic and commercial lifeline for farmers, traders, and other residents who depend on it daily.
The people of Maigida, an agrarian community in Ipaye District, are gripped with fear. Should the temporary bridge, constructed in early 80s collapse, they risk being completely cut off from their ancestral homes, farms, and neighboring communities.
Such isolation would cripple their livelihoods, halt trade activities, and destabilize the socio-economic fabric of this region. This situation threatens not just the immediate community but also Kwara State and Nigeria at large, as the region serves as a gateway for commerce and agriculture, directly impacting the state’s economy and food supply.
Beyond the bridge, the people face severe hardships due to a lack of electricity, clean water, and good roads. These challenges are a stark reminder of the inequalities in infrastructure development across the country. The neglect of rural communities like Maigida undermines the vision of a prosperous Kwara State and hinders Nigeria’s broader goals of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The people of Maigida are sending a desperate appeal to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and all leaders in Kwara State. They are calling for urgent intervention to rebuild the Weru Bridge, rehabilitate the roads, and provide basic amenities like electricity and potable water. These are not luxuries but essentials that will ensure the well-being, security, and productivity of the community.
Kwara State is known for its rich agricultural resources and its potential as an economic hub in Nigeria. However, the neglect of critical infrastructure like the Weru Bridge undermines these potentials. Investments in rural development will not only uplift communities like Maigida but also strengthen the state’s role in Nigeria’s progress.
This is a call for immediate action. The Weru Bridge must be reconstructed before disaster strikes. Addressing the broader challenges in Maigida will demonstrate Kwara State’s commitment to equity, progress, and the shared prosperity of its people. Let us not wait until it is too late. The time to act is now, for Maigida, for Kwara State, and for Nigeria as a whole.
