Tragedy struck on Sunday at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba campus of the University of Lagos, as a male food vendor identified simply as Lekan lost his life following an electrocution incident.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the incident occurred at a water point located in the southern part of the campus in the morning hours.
The deceased was said to have stepped out to dispose of refuse before deciding to wash his hands at the tap. In the process, he reportedly touched a metal railing positioned close to the water source and was electrocuted.
A student, who requested anonymity, said the vendor was alone at the scene when the incident happened. According to the student, a security officer later observed that something was wrong and raised the alarm, drawing attention from nearby individuals.
“He had finished washing his hands and was about to turn off the tap when he held the railing beside it. That was when the electric shock occurred,” the source said.
The Secretary-General of the institution’s Students’ Union Government, Joshua Saanumi, confirmed the development, noting that attempts were immediately made to save the victim.
Another source disclosed that the incident occurred around 10 a.m., adding that some students tried to revive him before he was rushed to the Accident and Emergency unit within the campus.
“He was still moved to the A&E for medical attention and was later confirmed dead there,” the source stated.
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command were notified and subsequently visited both the scene and the medical facility. Engineers were also deployed to examine the affected area.
Preliminary findings, according to campus sources, did not immediately suggest that the railing was defective, as the water point is frequently used by students and security personnel without prior incidents.
In a statement signed by the Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the university management expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
“The University of Lagos Management regrets to confirm a fatal electrocution incident at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba campus,” the statement read.
It added that the deceased was a sales assistant to a food vendor operating within the premises and extended condolences to his family and associates.
The management urged the public to refrain from speculation, noting that investigations by relevant authorities were ongoing, while reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of members of the university community.