Two individuals are currently unaccounted for following an incident where one person allegedly plunged into the Asa River in what appeared to be an intentional suicide act.
The development prompted the other to plunge into the water in a bid to rescue him in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, at Asa Bridge along Emir’s Road.
The Kwara State Fire Service said it has launched a search operation for the two men.
One of the men, identified as Abubakar, reportedly ran towards the river and jumped in following an altercation during which another person sustained an injury.
Nasiru, 42, who reportedly attempted to intervene, also entered the river and was subsequently reported to have drowned.
The state Fire Service confirmed the incident, saying its personnel had spent several hours searching for the missing men without success as of the time of filing this report.
In a statement, the service’s Public Relations Officer, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, said firefighters were immediately deployed after receiving a distress call and had continued efforts to locate the men.
The Chief Fire Officer, Alabi Muhammed, was at the scene to supervise the operation.
The statement said the search had yet to yield results, adding that the operation remained ongoing.
Muhammed urged residents to avoid entering rivers or other bodies of water during confrontations or emergencies, advising them to contact trained emergency responders instead.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm during disputes and prioritise their safety.
The Fire Service assured residents that its personnel would continue the search and provide further updates as more information became available.
What You Should Know
This tragic incident highlights the extreme dangers of open water environments, particularly during emergency rescue attempts without professional training or safety gear. The Kwara State Fire Service has launched an active search operation, though rescue efforts have faced significant challenges due to river conditions.
- Positive Impact: The swift deployment of state firefighters demonstrates prompt emergency response and active community protection efforts.
- Potential Concerns: The incident underscores the severe safety hazards faced by untrained individuals attempting water rescues, emphasizing the need to rely on professional emergency responders during crises.
