Man in Fatal Dive into Well After Consuming Colos
A tragic incident unfolded in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Friday as a 43-year-old man, identified simply as Kazeem, lost his life after reportedly jumping into a well while under the influence of a psychoactive drug commonly known as “Colos.”
The incident occurred in the Edun area of Ilorin shortly after Eid prayers. According to the Kwara State Fire Service, a distress call was received at approximately 10:29 a.m., prompting an immediate rescue response. Fire service personnel arrived at the scene in Ile Alapo, Edun, where they recovered Kazeem’s lifeless body from the shallow well and handed it over to the Nigeria Police Force from the C-Division.
Authorities believe Kazeem was acting under the influence of Colos—an increasingly popular street name for synthetic cannabinoids, which are known to cause hallucinations, extreme disorientation, and erratic behavior.
Witnesses said the man appeared confused and restless before suddenly climbing into the well.
Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, expressed sadness over the incident and used the opportunity to warn against drug abuse.
“This is yet another avoidable tragedy. We urge members of the public to stay away from dangerous substances. These drugs don’t just destroy lives—they end them,” he said.
Public Relations Officer of the Fire Service, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, also confirmed that the man’s body had not yet been formally identified by family members at the time of recovery.
He described the event as deeply unfortunate and underscored the urgency of increased awareness around the dangers of hard drug consumption.
Colos—short for Colorado—is part of a class of synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of cannabis but are far more potent and unpredictable.
Its rising popularity among Nigerian youth and adults alike has become a major concern for health officials, religious leaders, and law enforcement agencies.
The drug has been linked to a growing number of fatal incidents, including falls, seizures, and violent outbursts.
As the community mourns the loss of yet another life to substance abuse, authorities are calling for tighter regulation of psychoactive substances, more proactive drug education, and improved mental health intervention programs. The message, they say, is simple but urgent: Nigeria is in the grip of a silent epidemic, and no one is immune from its consequences.
The police have opened an investigation into the incident, though no foul play is suspected at this time.
The victim’s family is expected to claim the body for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
