NIGER BRIDGE DESTRUCTION THREATENS TRADE LINK TO KEBBI, BENIN REPUBLIC—WITNESSES . (PHOTO).

 NIGER BRIDGE DESTRUCTION THREATENS TRADE LINK TO KEBBI, BENIN REPUBLIC—WITNESSES 

Suspected terrorists have blown up a major bridge in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, severing a critical trade route linking several communities and markets, residents and local sources have said.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday evening along the Wawa–Luma–Guffanti road, a strategic corridor passing through the Kainji Lake National Park. The area is believed to host armed groups, including factions linked to Boko Haram and Ansaru.

According to reports, the attack was allegedly carried out using an improvised explosive device by a group loyal to a commander identified as Mallam Sadiku.

Residents said the timing of the explosion just before the popular Babanna market day, suggests a deliberate attempt to cripple economic activities in the area.

A local resident in Wawa noted that the bridge destruction occurred barely 24 hours before traders were expected to converge on the market.

The damaged bridge has effectively cut off movement along the route, a key link connecting communities in Niger State to parts of Kebbi State, Kontagora, and neighbouring Benin Republic.

A commercial driver, Ahmed Yusuf, said, “No vehicle could pass because the bridge was blown apart. Only motorcyclists are trying to navigate through the debris.”

Another resident, Abu Fudail from New Bussa, described the incident as “another attempt to impoverish locals,” adding that about 90 per cent of markets in the area depend on the route for trade and transportation.