Summary: Kwara State Fire Service recovers bodies of two young men who drowned in Opete quarry lake. Director warns residents about dangers of swimming in abandoned quarries.
A tragic incident has claimed the lives of two young men in Kwara State after they drowned in a quarry lake located in the Opete area of Asa Local Government Area.
The victims, identified as 26-year-old Fatai Abdulraman and 27-year-old Muhammed Awal, met their untimely deaths on Monday evening, March 23, 2026, in what has become a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in abandoned quarry sites across Nigeria.
Swift Response by Fire Service
According to Hassan Adekunle, the Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, emergency responders received a distress call at approximately 5:08 p.m. and immediately mobilized to the scene.
“The incident involved two young men who reportedly drowned while at the quarry site. Upon arrival, firefighters conducted a recovery operation and successfully retrieved the bodies of the victims,” Hassan explained in a statement released on Tuesday.
Following the recovery operation, the bodies of the deceased were handed over to Mallam Abdulfatahi for burial arrangements and other necessary procedures.
Director Issues Strong Warning
Reacting to this heartbreaking tragedy, the Director of Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, extended his condolences to the bereaved families while issuing a strong warning to residents about the dangers of swimming in quarry lakes.
“These quarry lakes are often deeper than they appear and can be extremely dangerous due to their unstable nature. Members of the public must prioritise safety at all times and avoid unnecessary risks,” the director cautioned.
He emphasized that abandoned quarries pose particular risks because of their deceptive appearance – what looks like a calm, inviting body of water can actually be dangerously deep with unpredictable underwater currents and hidden hazards.
Call for Community Action
Director Muhammed also called on community leaders and local authorities to take proactive measures by restricting access to such hazardous sites. He urged Nigerians to report emergencies immediately to enable quick response from emergency services.
The Kwara State Fire Service has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining rapid emergency response across all parts of the state, even as it continues to advocate for public safety awareness.
Growing Concern Across Nigeria
This incident adds to a worrying trend of drowning cases in quarry sites and unregulated water bodies across Nigeria. Many abandoned quarries fill with water during the rainy season, creating tempting but deadly swimming spots, especially for young people seeking relief from Nigeria’s hot weather.
Safety experts continue to advise Nigerians, particularly parents and guardians, to educate their children and wards about the dangers of swimming in undesignated areas, and to always use approved recreational facilities where lifeguards and safety measures are in place.
May the souls of Fatai Abdulraman and Muhammed Awal rest in perfect peace.
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