Three injured in NUAAE protest against alleged high-handedness, poor welfare conditions

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

At least three staff of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), Ilorin, Kwara State, were hospitalised on Monday following a violent disruption of activities during a protest by members of the National Union of Agricultural and Allied, and Employees (NUAAE) within the agency.

The protest was reportedly staged over allegations of high-handedness and poor welfare conditions by the management of the authority. However, the situation escalated into violence, leading to injuries among staff members on duty.

The Managing Director of the agency, Engineer George Olumoroti, said the incident went beyond a peaceful protest, describing it as an attack on staff and public property. He said three employees sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Olumoroti said the management had reported the incident to the Kwara State Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), adding that video evidence of the attack had been submitted to security agencies for investigation.

He linked the unrest to disciplinary actions taken against some staff members over alleged misconduct, including non-remittance of government revenue and other financial infractions uncovered after a review of records in April 2025.

According to him, previous internal committees had investigated allegations involving a union leader and other staff members, and found them culpable of financial irregularities, recommending sanctions such as refunds, warning letters and dismissal in some cases.

He explained that the recommendations were reviewed and upheld by disciplinary committees, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, while affected officers were denied promotion pending the conclusion of proceedings.

Olumoroti added that although the Minister of Water Resources, Professor Joseph Utsev, later approved clemency for some of the affected staff, the union leader allegedly rejected the decision and petitioned the ministry, claiming that evidence used against him was forged.

He alleged that the protest was an attempt to disrupt ongoing reforms and intimidate management, insisting that the authority would not tolerate violence or indiscipline within the workplace.

Olumoroti further said some workers invaded the premises with weapons during the protest, while another group of employees resisted the disruption, insisting they were not part of the action. He assured that the management remained committed to restoring order, enforcing discipline and ensuring accountability in the agency’s operations.