The Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State, Waheed Ayilara, has tragically passed away. Ayilara, who had been battling prostate cancer, died in the early hours of Thursday, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja.
His passing comes just hours after undergoing surgery to treat his condition.
The news of Ayilara’s death has shocked and saddened many, particularly within the police force and his family, who were hopeful that the surgery would mark the beginning of his recovery.
According to sources close to the family, Ayilara underwent surgery on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. The procedure was aimed at addressing his prostate cancer, which he had been battling for some time. However, despite the best efforts of the medical team at LASUTH, he passed away in the early hours of the following day.
A family member, who spoke to the press, expressed the deep sorrow felt by all who knew Ayilara. “We are very sad to inform you that our friend, brother, and family member, the Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State, Waheed Ayilara, is dead,” the family was quoted as saying.
Waheed Ayilara was a respected figure in the Nigerian Police Force, known for his dedication, integrity, and commitment to his duties. He took over as the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State in February 2024, following his deployment by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Before this role, Ayilara served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
His appointment as the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom came at a time when the state was dealing with various security challenges. Ayilara was seen as a capable leader who could bring stability and order to the region. His leadership was marked by efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of residents in Akwa Ibom State.
Colleagues and subordinates have described Ayilara as a man of great character and a true professional. “He was a mentor to many of us,” said a senior police officer who worked closely with him. “His death is a great loss not just to the police force, but to the entire country.”
News of Ayilara’s death has led to an outpouring of grief from those who knew him, both personally and professionally. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed his deep sorrow at the loss of a dedicated officer.
“The Nigerian Police Force has lost one of its finest officers,” Egbetokun said in a statement. “Ayilara was a man of great integrity and dedication. His contributions to the police force and the country will not be forgotten.”
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, a small gland that produces seminal fluid in men. It is most common in older men, with the risk increasing as they age. Early detection is key to successful treatment, but symptoms often do not appear until the cancer has progressed. Common symptoms include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and discomfort in the pelvic area.
