The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the death of a man named Waris, a resident of Apana Compound in Adeta, Ilorin. The tragic incident occurred during Saturday’s environmental sanitation exercise when Waris attempted to evade arrest by officials from the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA).
Reports indicate that Waris was pursued by a KWEPA official identified as Tunde Akewu for allegedly violating the environmental sanitation regulations. During the chase, Waris reportedly fell and sustained injuries that led to his death.
Following the incident, Waris was rushed to Adewole Cottage Hospital for initial treatment. However, due to the severity of his condition, he was later referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), where he was officially pronounced dead.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed Waris’ death and disclosed that police officers quickly arrested the KWEPA official, Tunde Akewu, who was at the center of the incident. He emphasized that the police were not directly involved in the events that led to Waris’ death but acted to restore order in the affected area.
The commissioner further revealed that Waris’ death sparked violent unrest among local youths. Angered by the incident, they set fire to a KWEPA operational Hummer vehicle and attempted to storm the Adewole Police Station, where Akewu was being detained. Fortunately, the police successfully repelled the attack.
In addition to this, CP Ojo confirmed that another task force official was assaulted by an angry mob. The official was reportedly beaten severely and confined inside a toilet before police officers intervened and rescued him.
Commissioner Ojo urged the public to remain calm and patient as investigations into the incident proceed. He assured that justice would be served and called on the community to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities.