Food Vendor Electrocuted to Death at UNILAG
A male food vendor, identified as Lekan, has died after being electrocuted at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba campus of the University of Lagos on Sunday morning.
Eyewitnesses said Lekan had gone to dispose of refuse before stopping to wash his hands at a water point on the southern section of the campus.
While turning off a tap, he reportedly touched a nearby metal railing and was electrocuted.
A student, who requested anonymity, said the vendor was alone at the time of the incident. A security operative later noticed Lekan and raised the alarm, drawing people to the scene.
“He was washing his hands and tried to turn off the tap when he held a nearby railing. That was when he was electrocuted,” the student said.
The Secretary-General of the UNILAG Students’ Union Government, Joshua Saanumi, confirmed the incident and said immediate efforts were made to save the vendor.
Lekan was rushed to the campus Accident and Emergency unit, where he later died. “He was not pronounced dead at the scene. He was taken to the A&E and later died there,” the student added.
The Lagos State Police Command was alerted and visited both the scene and the medical facility. Engineers were also deployed to assess the area.
Preliminary observations did not immediately indicate a defective railing, as the site is frequently used by students and security personnel without prior incidents.
University officials, including security personnel and engineers, were present at the scene. In a statement, the Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, confirmed the incident and expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
“The University of Lagos Management regrets to confirm a fatal electrocution incident at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba campus. The unfortunate incident involved a sales assistant of a food vendor operating within the CMUL premises. The University extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and associates of the deceased,” the statement read.
The management urged the public to avoid speculation, noting that investigations by relevant authorities are ongoing and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of the university community.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
