Men of the Kwara State Fire Service on Wednesday successfully recovered the lifeless body of a man from the Asa River along the Emir's Road axis in Ilorin, the state capital. The victim is believed to have been mentally unstable.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident, which occurred around 11:06 a.m., caused a stir among residents and passersby who quickly gathered at the scene as the body was seen floating on the river's surface.

According to an official statement from the Head of Media and Publicity of the Kwara State Fire Service, PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, the identity of the victim remains unknown, although he was widely regarded as mentally challenged.

The statement noted: "The cause of the drowning could not be immediately ascertained. The recovered body was later handed over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, for further necessary action."

The Director of the State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, described the incident as unfortunate and expressed sympathy to the deceased's family and the general public.

Olumuyiwa also urged residents to exercise caution and avoid risky movements around rivers, streams, and other water bodies, especially during the rainy season, to prevent similar tragedies.

He reiterated the commitment of the state fire service to responding promptly to emergencies and safeguarding lives and property across Kwara State.