A tragic Eid morning turned deadly in Ilorin as 43-year-old Kazeem allegedly consumed “Colo” and jumped into a well, sparking widespread community shock.
Kwara State Fire Service confirmed his death, urging urgent awareness about drug abuse as residents mourn and authorities call for action to curb synthetic substance misuse.
A 43-year-old man identified simply as Kazeem has died under tragic circumstances in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, after allegedly consuming a dangerous drug known locally as “Colo” (Colorado). The incident, which occurred on Friday morning, has sent shockwaves across the Edun area of the state, where the deceased resided.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the incident happened shortly after Kazeem returned from Eid prayers. It was gathered that he exhibited unusual behavior before making his way to a domestic well located at Alapo Compound in the Edun community. In a shocking turn of events, Kazeem, believed to be under the influence of the illicit substance, reportedly jumped into the well.
Alarmed by the unfolding scene, residents quickly raised an alert and contacted the Kwara State Fire Service for emergency intervention. Responding to the distress call, firefighters were immediately mobilized to the scene. Unfortunately, by the time they were able to retrieve Kazeem from the well, he had already died.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, disclosed in an official statement released on Saturday that the control room received a call around 10:29 a.m. reporting that a man had fallen into a well. He stated that the rescue team responded swiftly but could only recover the lifeless body of the victim.
“Our team recovered the body of the man identified as Kazeem, who had reportedly consumed a hard substance known as ‘Colo’ before he jumped into the well,” Adekunle said. “The body was handed over to Inspector Babatunde Amos of the ‘C’ Division of the Nigeria Police Force, Ilorin.”
He further added that the Ministry of Health is awaiting formal identification and claims by the family of the deceased. The body has since been preserved, pending official procedures.
Reacting to the sad development, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, issued a public statement addressing the dangers of substance abuse. He described the incident as a needless and avoidable loss of life, stressing that the misuse of drugs like Colorado often leads to erratic behavior and fatal consequences.
“This is another unfortunate reminder of how drug abuse can destroy lives and communities. We urge the general public, especially the youth, to steer clear of these harmful substances,” Prince Falade said. “Colorado is a synthetic drug that can distort perception, impair judgment, and trigger extreme mental reactions. It has no place in a society that values health and safety.”
The tragic incident has reignited conversations about drug abuse in Nigeria, particularly among young adults and returning members of religious or social gatherings. Community leaders in Edun have expressed concern over the rising use of hard drugs in the area, calling for immediate government intervention through education, rehabilitation programs, and stricter enforcement of anti-drug laws.
Meanwhile, residents of the Alapo Compound and the broader Edun community remain in mourning, with many still shocked by the gruesome incident that marred an otherwise peaceful Eid celebration. Friends and neighbors described Kazeem as a quiet man who, unfortunately, may have been battling personal issues or addiction that ultimately led to his untimely death.
As investigations continue, authorities are reminding the public to report any suspicious activities and to seek help for anyone showing signs of drug addiction.
