AbdulRazaq mourns as Islamic scholar, Sheikh Aboto, three others die in Ilorin flood
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has described as shocking and sad the death of prominent Muslim preacher, Sheikh Abdulganiy Dhu Nurayn Aboto al-Adaby and some other yet-to-be identified persons during a downpour in the early hours of Friday in Ilorin.
The governor’s sympathy message was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye on Saturday.
Four persons, including Sheikh Aboto, were said to have been killed after a 10-hour downpour in Ilorin.
It was gathered that two human bodies and a Toyota Yaris car with Reg. No. APP 544 E were removed by men of the state fire service from a river opposite Olusola Saraki abattoir, along Sobi road in Ilorin, on Saturday.
Two lives were lost as youths swimming to catch fish along Asa riverine area, especially at Amilengbe, behind Salem House in the Ilorin metropolis, got drowned in their expedition.
Spokesman of Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, and the General Manager of the state Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA), Alhaji Saad Dan Musa confirmed the development to our correspondent.
“Yesterday, October 1, 2022, the Kwara State Fire Service removed two human bodies and a Toyota Yaris car with Reg. No. APP544E from a river opposite Olusola Saraki Abattoir, along Sobi road in Ilorin, capital of Kwara State.
“Information has it that the incident occurred during Friday’s downpour, when the casualties were struggling to drive through the bridge and suddenly got stuck by the flood which pushed them into the river.
“In truth, the rescue work was like a joint operation, because all the people in the neighborhood gave their full support to the firemen throughout the operation,” Adekunle said.
Ajakaiye said: “We received with shock and sadness the death of the popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Aboto and a few others whose identities are not yet known. As faithful, we accept the judgment of our creator. We beseech Him to grant the scholar and others involved al-jannah Firdaus.
“This, indeed, is one sad news too many. The death of Sheikh Abdulganiy Aboto is a huge loss for the Muslim community and to Ilorin as a whole. He was known for his vast knowledge and great efforts in the propagation of Islamic message in the simplest form possible for his audience.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the families of the late Sheikh and the others, and the entire Adabiyyah family worldwide. It is our prayer that Allah will grant comfort to all the bereaved families,” the statement said.
