Commuters and residents were thrown into distress on Tuesday after a vital bridge at Chukuku village along the Kuje–Gwagwalada road in the Federal Capital Territory caved in, leaving hundreds stranded.
The incident occurred after prolonged rainfall, which reportedly weakened the structure and cut off the busy link between the two area councils.
The road project, awarded by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is scheduled for completion later this year.
Sources indicated that the contractor handling the project had earlier erected a makeshift bridge to maintain traffic flow during construction. However, road users were confronted with its collapse in the early hours of Tuesday.
The disruption forced motorists to seek alternative routes, particularly the longer Kuje–Giri–Gwagwalada road, resulting in increased transport fares.
By Tuesday afternoon, some commuters disclosed that the contractor had opened a temporary diversion to ease movement, drawing commendation for the quick response.
Before the intervention, the situation had led to a major gridlock, with travellers unable to continue their journeys.
Some passengers resorted to trekking across the affected area with their belongings, while others remained in their vehicles awaiting a solution.
Residents blamed the development on the heavy volume of rainwater, which they said exceeded the bridge’s capacity and washed away part of the road.
No injuries or loss of life were reported, but the incident disrupted commercial activities in the area.
The Kuje–Gwagwalada route is considered a key corridor for transporting agricultural produce and other goods, and its blockage had an immediate impact on daily business activities.
A motorist, identified simply as Sani, described the disruption as a major setback, noting that many commuters and traders were forced to turn back or endure longer routes before relief came through the newly created diversion.
