A 42-year-old man identified as Nasiru has been reported missing after jumping into the Asa River in Ilorin, Kwara State, in an attempt to rescue his apprentice, Abubakar, who reportedly plunged into the water following a heated monetary dispute.

The incident occurred beneath the Asa Bridge along Emir’s Road in Ilorin, where the two men were allegedly involved in an argument over money.

According to eyewitnesses, the disagreement escalated before Abubakar reportedly ran towards the riverbank and jumped into the river.

In an attempt to save his apprentice, Nasiru immediately dived into the water. While Abubakar was successfully rescued, Nasiru was reportedly swept away by the river’s current and has remained missing.

The Kwara State Fire Service reportedly launched a search-and-rescue operation shortly after receiving a distress call about the incident.

The agency’s Public Relations Officer, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, confirmed that tactical search-and-rescue teams were immediately deployed to the scene to search the river for the missing man.

According to the fire service, the search had yet to produce a positive result, but efforts to locate Nasiru remained ongoing.

The operation is being conducted under the direct supervision of the Chief Fire Officer, Alabi Muhammed.

Following the incident, Chief Fire Officer Alabi Muhammed urged residents to avoid entering rivers and other dangerous bodies of water during emergencies or personal disputes.

He advised members of the public to remain calm during confrontations, prioritise their safety and allow trained emergency responders to handle hazardous rescue operations.

The incident highlights the dangers associated with attempting water rescues without appropriate training and equipment.

As search efforts continue, Nasiru’s whereabouts remain unknown.