Three workers at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Kwara State landed in hospital on Monday. They were beaten during a violent disruption at the agency's Ilorin headquarters.
Members of the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Employees allegedly carried out the attacks. The union had staged a protest over management decisions and staff welfare complaints.
Violence erupted as demonstrators blocked access to the facility and shut down normal operations. Authority officials immediately contacted police and the Department of State Services for assistance.
Engr. Olushola George Olumoroti, the Managing Director and CEO, rejected claims that this was merely peaceful protest activity.
He presented video evidence to journalists showing the severity of what occurred.
According to Olumoroti, the unrest stemmed from disciplinary action against NUAAE state chairman Mudi Olayinka Raji. Raji previously served as Ilorin Area Manager before the current trouble began.
After taking office in April 2025, Olumoroti's team reviewed old disciplinary files and financial records. They found serious issues including alleged revenue diversion and questionable transactions.
Investigations centered on Raji and his wife, who isn't even employed by the authority. Multiple disciplinary panels determined both had engaged in gross misconduct and corrupt practices.
Dismissal was initially recommended for Raji and four other workers. Other suggested penalties included demanding refunds and issuing warning letters to offenders.
Every review committee upheld these findings, including one with Federal Ministry of Water Resources representation. Staff members were blocked from promotion until cases were fully resolved.
Olumoroti appealed directly to Water Resources Minister Joseph Utsev for leniency. The minister agreed and softened Raji's punishment significantly.
Raji would now face a warning letter and must repay missing funds instead of losing his job. He'd also need to provide written assurance of future proper conduct.
Four other affected officers accepted this compromise and returned to work. Raji flatly refused the mercy being offered to him.
Instead, Raji petitioned Minister Utsev with new accusations. He claimed documentary proof used against him had been fabricated or altered.
Olumoroti said these fresh allegations pushed Utsev to launch another full investigation. Details about what happens next remain unclear at this moment.
