A tense atmosphere enveloped the Adeta Roundabout area of Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State, on Saturday, following a violent confrontation between residents and officials of the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA), resulting in the tragic death of a young man and the destruction of government property.
The deceased, identified as Waris of Apana Compound in Ilorin, reportedly collapsed and died after being chased by a member of the KWEPA task force, Tunde Akewu, over an alleged violation of environmental regulations. Eyewitnesses said Waris fell during the pursuit and was rushed to Adewole Cottage Hospital. Due to the severity of his condition, he was referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), where he was later confirmed dead.
News of his passing quickly sparked outrage in the community. Enraged youths took to the streets in protest, resulting in the burning of a KWEPA operational Hummer bus by the mob. The unrest escalated as the crowd, seeking justice, attempted to storm the Adewole Police Station, where the KWEPA official linked to the incident had been taken into custody.
To contain the situation, officers of the Nigeria Police Force deployed teargas to disperse the protesters and secured all access routes to the police station, particularly from the Agbooba and Adewole axis. Their intervention prevented further escalation and potential destruction of public property.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, disclosed that no police personnel were involved in the initial operation that led to Waris’s death. He acknowledged the death triggered violent reprisals, including an attempt by youths to vandalize a government facility and attack detained officials.
CP Ojo further revealed that another KWEPA operative, whose name was not disclosed, was severely beaten by the mob. The official was reportedly locked inside a toilet and rendered unconscious before police officers managed to rescue him from the scene.
The officer primarily linked to the incident, Tunde Akewu, has been taken into custody and is currently under investigation. CP Ojo assured residents that the circumstances surrounding Waris’s death will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate actions taken in accordance with the law.
While normalcy is gradually being restored in the affected area, the police have appealed for calm and urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. The Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring justice is served while maintaining peace and order across the state.
“We appeal for restraint and ask the public to trust in the process. Justice will be done, and we will ensure that those responsible for any form of misconduct are held accountable,” CP Ojo said.
