At least three workers of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Ilorin, Kwara State, were hospitalised on Monday following a violent clash that disrupted activities at the agency’s headquarters.
The unrest, which paralysed operations for hours, reportedly involved members of the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Employees protesting alleged poor welfare conditions and high-handedness by the management.
Sources within the authority said the protest turned violent when some aggrieved workers allegedly attacked staff members, leaving them with varying degrees of injuries.
The situation reportedly prompted the management to alert security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, over fears of further escalation.
Addressing journalists, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the authority, Engr. Olushola George Olumoroti, described the incident as a “coordinated attack” rather than a peaceful protest.
He said, “Three staff members of the authority were hospitalised after being severely beaten by the protesting workers,” adding that the protesters barricaded the entrance of the agency and disrupted official activities.
Olumoroti linked the crisis to an ongoing disciplinary process involving the Kwara State Chairman of NUAAE, Mr. Mudi Olayinka Raji, alleging that the union leader mobilised workers to frustrate administrative actions against him.
The MD explained that the management had reviewed disciplinary and financial records upon assuming office in April 2025, uncovering alleged infractions, including diversion of funds, unretired IOUs and unauthorised transactions.
According to him, disciplinary panels found Raji and four others culpable and recommended sanctions ranging from refund of funds to dismissal for gross misconduct.
He, however, said he appealed to the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev, to temper justice with mercy, leading to a reduction of the penalties to a refund, warning letter and an undertaking of good conduct.
While other affected officers reportedly complied, Olumoroti alleged that Raji rejected the decision and petitioned the minister, prompting a fresh investigation.
He claimed Monday’s protest was aimed at undermining the probe and ongoing reforms within the authority.
“This is a case of corruption fighting back. We are enforcing accountability and discipline, and some elements are resisting these reforms,” he said.
The MD further alleged that some protesters invaded the premises with dangerous weapons, assaulted staff and breached security protocols.
He insisted the management would not tolerate acts of violence or intimidation capable of undermining due process.
However, Raji denied the allegations, accusing the management of victimisation and deliberate attempts to frustrate workers advocating accountability.
He dismissed claims of financial misconduct and refuted allegations linking his wife to any unauthorised transactions.
“They forged my signature to implicate me and my wife, who is not even a staff member. How can money be paid to her?” he queried.
Raji maintained that the protest was sanctioned by the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and was initially peaceful.
He alleged that violence erupted after supporters of the management attacked protesting workers.
“We were outside peacefully when the MD sent some individuals to attack us. They came with dangerous weapons, and we had to defend ourselves,” he said.
The union leader denied responsibility for the injuries recorded, insisting that none of the affected staff members was attacked by protesters.
“What happened is a result of intimidation and oppression. We are not responsible for any injuries,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, security presence had been reinforced around the facility, while efforts were ongoing to restore normalcy.
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