A tragic scene unfolded in Ilorin on Wednesday as operatives of the Kwara State Fire Service recovered the lifeless body of a yet-to-be-identified mentally challenged person from the Asa River.
The incident occurred around 11:06 a.m. along Emir’s Road, Ilorin, according to a statement issued by the spokesperson of the fire service, Hassan Adekunle.
Adekunle confirmed that the body was discovered floating on the river before officials swiftly moved to the scene to recover it.
“The victim, identified as a mentally challenged individual, was discovered floating in the river. The cause of the drowning could not be immediately ascertained,” the statement read in part.
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The fire service disclosed that the recovered body had been handed over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, for further action.
Reacting to the incident, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, described the development as unfortunate and expressed condolences over the loss of life.
He urged residents to stay cautious and avoid risky movements around riverbanks and other open water bodies, especially during the rainy season, to prevent similar tragedies.
The Asa River, which runs through several parts of Ilorin, has in recent years witnessed multiple drowning incidents, raising concerns over public safety around the waterway.
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