Master, apprentice feared drowned after dispute in Ilorin

Two individuals are feared to have drowned in the Asa River near the Asa Bridge along Emir’s Road in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, following a dispute allegedly involving a ₦2,000 disagreement.

According to information obtained by DAILY POST, the incident occurred on Saturday when an apprentice and his master chased each other to the bridge, ultimately plunging into the river.

Hassan Adekunle, spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, confirmed that the agency received a report about a man who jumped into the river during the altercation and was subsequently missing. Emergency responders arrived at the scene at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Adekunle noted that initial reports indicated a confrontation between two adults, during which one sustained an injury. One of the individuals, identified as Abubakar, reportedly ran toward the river and jumped in. A second man, Nasiru, 42, who attempted to intervene, also entered the river and is believed to have drowned.

“Our firefighters immediately commenced an intensive search and rescue operation upon receiving the report,” Adekunle said. “The operation continued for several hours, with our personnel making concerted efforts to locate the missing men.”

Despite extensive search efforts, Adekunle stated that they have yet to recover the individuals as of the time of the report. The Chief Fire Officer, Alabi Muhammed, was on-site to oversee the operation and provide leadership.

Muhammed urged the public to avoid entering rivers or other bodies of water during emergencies, emphasizing the need for personal safety and the importance of contacting appropriate emergency services. He also called on residents to remain calm during conflicts and to allow trained responders to manage dangerous situations.

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