The Kwara State Fire Service has recovered the body of an unidentified middle-aged man from a river along the Osin and Laduba axis of Ilorin in Kwara State. The incident was reported on Thursday, February 12, 2026, by officials of the Kwara State Ministry of Environment, prompting an emergency response from the agency.
Spokesperson of the service, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that firefighters were dispatched immediately after receiving the distress call at about 2:42 p.m. The body, believed to be that of a man estimated to be around 43 years old, was retrieved and handed over to officials of the Ministry of Environment for further procedures.
Incidents involving water-related fatalities have periodically raised concerns about safety around rivers and other open water bodies in parts of Ilorin, particularly during the dry season when human activity around such areas often increases. Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to exercise caution and promptly report emergencies to ensure swift intervention.
The recovery on Thursday underscores the ongoing collaboration between emergency agencies and environmental authorities in Kwara State. It also highlights the continued risk posed by unregulated access to waterways in urban and semi-urban communities.
According to the fire service, the alert originated from staff of the Kwara State Ministry of Environment who discovered the body in a river located within the Ilorin West Local Government Area. The Osin and Laduba axis, a semi-residential corridor, has both residential settlements and open water channels that are accessible to the public.
Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after the report was made and commenced recovery operations. The body was later transferred to the Ministry of Environment for statutory handling.
Following the retrieval, health workers at the scene fumigated both the body and the surrounding environment. Officials said the measure was taken to safeguard public health and prevent any potential environmental hazards.
The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, used the incident to reiterate the importance of water safety and interagency cooperation. He urged residents to avoid unsafe activities around rivers and other water bodies and to promptly notify authorities of suspicious or emergency situations.
The decisive action came within minutes of the distress call at 14:42 hours. Emergency responders were mobilized without delay, a move officials say was critical in securing the scene and preventing public disturbance.
The recovery operation concluded with the formal handover of the body to environmental authorities, marking the end of the fire service’s direct involvement in the incident.
Over recent years, the Kwara State Fire Service has expanded its emergency response coordination with other state agencies, particularly in handling environmental and public safety incidents. The agency has increasingly emphasized rapid deployment and preventive public education as core strategies.
Thursday’s incident fits within that broader framework of multi-agency collaboration, with environmental officials, health workers, and fire service personnel working in concert.
As of Thursday evening, authorities had not released further details regarding the identity of the deceased or the circumstances leading to his death. It remains unclear whether investigations will extend beyond preliminary environmental and safety assessments.
The recovery of the unidentified man adds to ongoing concerns about safety around open waterways in Ilorin. For state authorities, the incident reinforces the need for vigilance, coordinated emergency response, and sustained public awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
