A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon at the renovation site of Kwara Hotels in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, where two construction workers lost their lives and another sustained serious injuries following the sudden collapse of a section of the hotel’s old perimeter fence.
The incident occurred while renovation activities were actively ongoing at the site, which is located in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) of Ilorin.
The facility, which was once regarded as a cornerstone of the state’s hospitality industry, is currently undergoing major rehabilitation under a government-led infrastructure renewal program.
According to eyewitnesses, the collapse caused panic and chaos in the surrounding area. A local trader who operates near the hotel, and who requested anonymity, described the moment of the collapse as abrupt and terrifying.
“I was nearby selling when I suddenly heard a loud blast. It sounded like a bomb. People started shouting and running away from the site. It was terrifying,” she recalled.
She further explained that many passersby initially feared that an explosion had taken place. The true nature of the disaster only became apparent after emergency personnel arrived at the scene to respond.
All three victims were promptly transported to a private medical facility on Wahab Folawiyo Road (formerly known as Unity Road). Sadly, two of the workers were confirmed dead upon arrival, while the third remains hospitalized in critical condition and is currently receiving intensive medical care.
Reacting to the incident, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, confirmed the tragedy during interviews with several media outlets, including Diamond FM 88.7 and African News. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and the injuries sustained.
“It is quite saddening. Yesterday, part of the structure under renovation gave way. Three workers on duty were badly injured. One of them made it, but the remaining two didn’t survive despite first aid and emergency attention at the nearest hospital,” Ajakaye said.
“Their families have since been contacted, according to the facility managers.” The identities of the deceased and injured workers have not yet been disclosed publicly.
This incident has reignited public debate over the controversial renovation project. The Kwara State government had approved the substantial budget in response to widespread criticism over the prolonged neglect of the hotel.
In October 2023, the contract for the 24-month renovation was officially awarded to Craneburg Construction Company, with the goal of restoring the hotel’s former prestige.
Earlier last year, Mustapha Mashood, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governorship aspirant, criticized the ₦17.8 billion allocated for the hotel’s rehabilitation by the state government, calling it unjustifiable and an irresponsible use of limited public resources.
Nonetheless, the tragedy has drawn renewed attention to the project’s implementation, safety standards, and financial transparency, with critics questioning both the execution and prioritization of such a costly undertaking at a time when public needs remain pressing in other sectors.
As investigations continue into the cause of the structural collapse, there are growing calls for accountability, improved safety oversight on government projects, and a thorough review of the ongoing renovation efforts at Kwara Hotels.