Tragedy in Ilorin as Fire Service Recovers Body of Mentally Challenged Man from Asa River

Residents of Ilorin were thrown into shock on Wednesday morning following the recovery of a lifeless body from Asa River along Emir’s Road in the state capital.

According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the incident occurred around 11:06 a.m. when passersby noticed the body floating in the river and quickly alerted the authorities.

The victim, later identified as a mentally challenged man, was confirmed dead at the scene by council officials.

While the cause of the drowning remains unknown, the body was retrieved by fire service operatives and handed over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, for necessary procedures.

Speaking on the incident, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, expressed deep sympathy over the tragedy and urged residents to be more cautious around rivers and other water bodies.

“This is a sad and avoidable loss. We advise members of the public to be vigilant and avoid unnecessary movements along riverbanks, especially during the rainy season,” he said.

The fire service boss assured that the agency would continue to respond swiftly to emergencies while intensifying public sensitization to prevent similar occurrences in the state.