NLC Protest Turns Violent, Three Injured in Ilorin

On Monday, three staff members of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) in Ilorin, Kwara State, were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during a violent protest organized by the Nigeria Union of Agricultural and Allied Employees (NUAEE). The protest was against management's alleged high-handedness and absence of worker welfare.

The Managing Director, Georg Olumoroti, reported that union members attacked staff, inflicting various degrees of injury. The unrest was linked to disciplinary actions initiated against Mr. Modi Olaiyinka Raji, a union leader, for alleged gross misconduct related to non-remittance of government revenue.

Following a review of disciplinary records, a committee recommended sanctions against Raji and others. Despite an appeal to the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Raji's recommended dismissal was commuted to a lesser sanction.

The situation escalated as union members allegedly invaded the premises with weapons, prompting a call for a fresh investigation into the violent disturbances.