One dead as residents clash with task force in Kwara

A clash between residents and members of the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) task force at Adeta Roundabout in Ilorin West Local Government Area has left one person dead and sparked unrest in the community. Our reporter, who visited the scene shortly after the incident, observed that police officers had cordoned off both entry […]

A clash between residents and members of the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) task force at Adeta Roundabout in Ilorin West Local Government Area has left one person dead and sparked unrest in the community.

Our reporter, who visited the scene shortly after the incident, observed that police officers had cordoned off both entry points leading to the Adewole Police Station from the Agbooba and Adewole axis.

Security personnel fired teargas canisters to disperse agitated residents, forcing many to flee for safety.

According to eyewitnesses, the clash began on Saturday when a task force official, identified as Tunde Akewu, pursued a suspected environmental law violator named Waris from Apana Compound, Adeta.

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Waris reportedly fell during the chase and later collapsed.

The victim was initially taken to the Adewole Cottage Hospital before being referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), where he was pronounced dead.

Irked by the development, angry residents chased the environmental officials and set their vehicle ablaze.

They were said to be heading for the Adewole police station, a few meters to the scene of the incident before operatives called for reinforcement from the police headquarters.

Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident and provided further details.

He stated that no police officers were involved in the operation that led to Waris’s death.

CP Ojo added that the death of Waris triggered violent reactions from angry youths who set a KWEPA operational Hummer bus on fire and attempted to storm the Adewole Police Station, where the task force official had been detained.

The police successfully repelled the attack.

The commissioner also revealed that another task force official was attacked by a mob, beaten unconscious, and locked inside a toilet, but was later rescued by police operatives.

He said “The Kwara State Police Command has since arrested Tunde Akewu and assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway.”

Residents have been urged to remain calm as authorities work to restore order and ensure justice is served