Men of the Kwara State Fire Service on Thursday successfully recovered the lifeless body of an unidentified man from the Osin/Laduba River in Ilorin, the state capital.
The discovery followed a timely alert from officials of the Kwara State Ministry of Environment, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance around water bodies in the state.
According to the spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hakeem Adekunle, the agency received the emergency call at approximately 2:42 p.m. on February 12, 2026.
Staff from the Ministry of Environment had observed a body floating in the river along the Osin/Laduba axis, prompting an immediate notification to the fire service.
“On Thursday, 12th February 2026, at about 14:42 hours, our office received a distress report from personnel of the Kwara State Ministry of Environment.
“They sighted a lifeless body in the river along the Osin/Laduba axis in Ilorin West Local Government Area,” Adekunle said.
Upon receiving the alert, firefighters swiftly mobilized to the scene. The team carried out recovery operations, safely retrieving the deceased from the river.
Preliminary assessments indicated that the man was male, approximately 43 years old, though his identity remains unknown.
Authorities noted that he carried no identification documents, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances leading to his death.
After recovery, the lifeless body was handed over to officials of the Ministry of Environment to carry out necessary procedures, including documentation and further investigation.
Health workers present at the scene also took precautionary measures, fumigating the recovered body and the surrounding riverbanks to prevent any potential public health hazards.
Chief Fire Superintendent Alabi Muhammed, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, emphasized the need for safety awareness around rivers and other water bodies.
He warned residents against engaging in risky activities near such environments, noting that many preventable accidents occur due to negligence.
“Water bodies, including rivers, can be dangerous if proper care is not taken.
“We urge the public to report any suspicious activity or emergencies around rivers immediately so that rapid response can be provided,” Muhammed said.
The director also highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding lives.
He commended the Ministry of Environment for the swift alert, noting that coordination between agencies improves response times and ensures effective handling of emergencies.
“This incident shows the importance of cooperation between environmental agencies and emergency services in protecting the public and the environment,” he added.
Authorities also reiterated that the ongoing investigation would focus on determining how the man ended up in the river, whether through accident, natural causes, or foul play.
Security personnel in the area have been instructed to remain vigilant and provide any necessary assistance to investigators.
Residents in Ilorin have been reminded to exercise caution when near rivers, particularly during periods of increased water flow, and to avoid risky activities such as swimming in unmonitored areas or dumping waste into rivers.
Environmental and health officials stressed that contamination or unattended human remains in rivers could pose serious public health risks if not handled promptly.
This recent incident in Kwara State is a reminder of the hazards associated with water bodies and the importance of community reporting in emergency situations.
Prompt notification allowed firefighters to respond quickly, preventing potential environmental contamination and ensuring proper handling of the deceased.
The Kwara State Fire Service, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, continues to monitor riverine areas across the state.
Muhammed reassured the public that emergency teams are always on standby to respond to incidents in rivers and other vulnerable locations.
Residents are encouraged to maintain a culture of safety around rivers and other water bodies while cooperating with authorities to mitigate accidents.
The fire service also advised local communities to support initiatives aimed at keeping rivers clean and safe, emphasizing that public participation is key to effective environmental management.
This case underscores the vital role that quick communication, professional response, and multi-agency cooperation play in emergency management.
Officials have urged anyone with information about the unidentified man or similar incidents to come forward to assist in ongoing investigations.
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