The Kwara State Fire Service on Wednesday confirmed the recovery of lifeless body of a man, suspected to be mentally unstable, from the Asa River near Emir’s Road in Ilorin, the state capital.
It was gathered that his body was seen floated on the river by the residents.
The Head of Media and Publicity of the Kwara State Fire Service, PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, who confirmed the development through a press statement issued on Wednesday, 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.
The state fire service image-maker in the statement said 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.
Olumuyiwa charged residents to exercise caution and avoid risky activities around rivers, streams, and other water bodies, especially during the rainy season, to prevent similar tragedies, just as he also re-affirmed the commitment of the state fire service to responding promptly to emergencies and safeguarding lives and property across the state..
