ILORIN, Kwara State (BN24)— Operatives of the Kwara State Fire Service on Wednesday recovered the lifeless body of a man, believed to be mentally unstable, from the Asa River near Emir’s Road in Ilorin, the state capital, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred around 11:06 a.m., sparking panic among residents and passersby who gathered at the riverbank to witness the scene as the body floated in the water. The victim’s identity could not be immediately confirmed, though witnesses suggested he was mentally challenged.
In an official statement, the Head of Media and Publicity for the Kwara State Fire Service, PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, said the cause of the drowning remained unknown. “The recovered body was later handed over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, for further necessary action,” he said.
Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, described the event as unfortunate and expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased and the public. He cautioned residents to avoid risky activities near rivers, streams, and other water bodies, especially during the rainy season when water levels rise.
“The Kwara State Fire Service remains committed to prompt emergency responses to protect lives and property throughout the state,” Olumuyiwa added.
Meanwhile, a separate tragic discovery was made in Jigawa State, where the body of a 15-year-old boy was recovered from a pond in Gabari village, Garki Local Government Area.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Dutse, the state capital. ASC Badaruddeen Tijjani, spokesperson for the Jigawa State Command, reported that the deceased, Sunusi Abubakar, was found lifeless in a pond locally known as Mahayin gidan Toro, about 1.5 kilometres north of Gabari village. The body was discovered around 9:00 a.m. on October 1.
Authorities in both states are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths as communities mourn the loss.
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