By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Kwara State Fire Service has cautioned against risky and unsafe activities around rivers, streams and other water bodies, especially during the rainy season.
This came as operatives of service recovered the body of an unidentified man, suspected to be mentally unstable, from the Asa River near Emir’s Road in Ilorin, on Wednesday, October 8.
The incident was reported to have occurred around 11:06 a.m. and caused panic among residents and passersby who gathered at the scene as the body floated on the river.
The Director of the State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, described the incident as unfortunate and sympathised with the deceased’s family and the general public, even as he called for the exercise of caution around rivers, streams, and other water bodies to prevent similar tragedies.
A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, said the victim’s identity could not be immediately confirmed, although witnesses claimed he was mentally challenged.
“The cause of the drowning could not be immediately ascertained. The recovered body was later handed over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, for further necessary action,” the statement added.
