A tragic rainstorm in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, has claimed the life of Musa Ismail, a prominent Taekwondo coach and champion. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., also led to the destruction of a section of the newly renovated Badminton court at the Lower Niger River Basin Authority.
Musa, who was well-known in the local sports community, was caught under the collapsed structure when a section of the Badminton court, which had been recently renovated by the previous administration, gave way during the heavy rainstorm. The coach, a regular at the facility, had been at the site playing and training with friends when the disaster struck.
According to reliable sources, the rainstorm, which lasted for about 30 minutes, caused severe damage in several parts of Ilorin. One of the worst-hit areas was the Lower Niger River Basin Authority, where the newly renovated Badminton court is located. The facility, which had been in use for some time, collapsed during the downpour, and the falling debris tragically struck Musa Ismail, fatally injuring him.
Staff at the Lower Niger River Basin Authority confirmed the incident, but refused to provide any further details. Efforts to get an official statement from the Public Relations Officer (PRO) and the Managing Director of the Authority were unsuccessful as both were unavailable for comment.
One staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the victim was not an employee of the Authority but was a frequent user of the facility. The staff member explained, “He was always here to play and train with his friends. Unfortunately, the rainstorm led to the collapse of part of the court, and he was caught under the rubble.”
The staff member also disclosed that the Badminton court had been sealed off following the incident, and the facility was closed to the public. When approached for more information, other staff members at the Lower Niger River Basin Authority declined to comment further.
Musa Ismail, known for his dedication and amiable personality, was not only a champion in Taekwondo but also a respected coach in the local sports community. He had recently been crowned the 2025 MKA Taekwondo Champion at the competition held in Ede, Osun State, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Despite his accomplishments in Taekwondo, Musa had a passion for other sports, including Badminton, where he often trained at the Lower Niger River Basin Authority. His versatility in sports and his willingness to help others improve made him a beloved figure in Ilorin’s sporting circles.
One of his trainees described him as an “upcoming and amiable coach,” noting that he was always ready to encourage and support others, whether they were experienced athletes or beginners. His sudden and untimely death has left many of his trainees and fellow athletes in shock and mourning.
“He was a great mentor and a positive influence on all of us. His dedication to his craft and his genuine care for his students is something we will always remember,” said one of his trainees.
Musa’s death has not only left a hole in the local sports community but has also devastated his family. Musa was married just over a year ago and is survived by a child. His wife, family members, and close friends are still coming to terms with the sudden loss.
Following the rainstorm and the tragic incident, the Lower Niger River Basin Authority has been closed to the public, and the Badminton court where the tragedy occurred has been sealed off. Staff at the Authority were tight-lipped about the incident, with one staff member stating that only the Managing Director could comment on the matter. The Managing Director, however, was not available at the time of the inquiry.
“The incident is very tragic. Unfortunately, it happened during the rain on Monday, but no one can speak on it except the Managing Director, who is not around now. The MD will be in the office tomorrow, and if you come, you will be able to speak with him,” the staff member said.
As the investigation continues, the local community and Musa’s family are left to mourn the loss of a beloved sports figure. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and maintenance of sports facilities in Ilorin, particularly the structures that are meant to serve the public. With a newly renovated court now rendered unsafe due to the collapse, questions about the quality of construction and maintenance are likely to be raised.
Musa Ismail’s death has shocked the local sports community in Ilorin and beyond. Several sports organizations and athletes have paid tribute to the late Taekwondo champion, with many expressing their condolences on social media and other platforms.
“Musa was not just a champion; he was a role model for so many of us,” said a fellow athlete who trained alongside Musa. “He had so much to offer to the world of sports, and it’s heartbreaking that his life was cut short in such a tragic way.”
Many of his friends and fellow athletes have called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the Badminton court and the lack of safety measures at the facility. Concerns have been raised about whether the facility was properly inspected after renovations and whether the public was adequately warned of potential hazards.
The Lower Niger River Basin Authority (LNRBDA) is a government agency responsible for managing water resources and promoting sustainable development in the Niger River basin. It also oversees the maintenance of various public facilities, including sports venues like the Badminton court where the incident occurred.
The Authority had recently completed renovations on the Badminton court, which was a popular spot for both recreational and competitive sports. However, the collapse of a section of the court during a rainstorm has now brought the quality of the renovations into question. The facility had been used by athletes like Musa, who came regularly to train and practice.
As investigations into the incident continue, local authorities and sports organizations are likely to demand improvements in the safety standards of public sports facilities to prevent future tragedies.
