A protest organized by labor unions at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA in Ilorin, Kwara State, turned violent on Monday, May 11, 2026, leaving at least three staff members hospitalized.

The unrest involved members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Employees (NUAAE), who converged to demonstrate against the agency’s management.

The protesters barricaded the main entrance to the authority’s headquarters, effectively grounding administrative and technical activities for several hours.

The workers are demanding improved welfare conditions, an end to what they describe as anti-labour practices, and the immediate removal of the Managing Director, Dr. Adeniyi Aremu. They accused the management of persistent neglect of staff needs despite several internal notices and appeals.

According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated when a group of individuals attempted to force their way through the human blockade, leading to a physical confrontation. In the ensuing melee, at least three employees sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical attention.

The identity of the “attackers” remains a point of contention between the union leaders and the management.

The Kwara State Police Command and operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed to the scene to restore order. While no arrests were immediately confirmed, the heavy security presence helped to disperse the crowd and prevent further damage to government property. The police have since cordoned off the area to maintain a fragile peace.

In its reaction, the LNRBDA management dismissed the allegations of poor welfare, labeling the protest as “politically motivated.”

Management sources argued that the authority has remained committed to its obligations and suggested that the disruption was an attempt by certain interests to stall ongoing reforms within the agency. They expressed regret over the violence and wished the injured staff a speedy recovery.

As of Monday evening, union leaders have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met. The incident has drawn attention to the growing tension between organized labor and federal agencies in the region, with the NLC leadership in Kwara State calling for a full investigation into the thugs who allegedly attacked the peaceful protesters.