A male food vendor identified as Lekan has died following an electrocution incident at the College of Medicine Idi Araba campus of the University of Lagos on Sunday morning.
Eyewitnesses said the tragic incident occurred at a water point located in the southern section of the campus.
According to accounts from students, Lekan had gone to dispose of refuse before stopping to wash his hands. During the process, he reportedly came into contact with a metal railing near a tap and was electrocuted.
A student who spoke on condition of anonymity said the vendor was alone at the time of the incident.
“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 source explained that a security operative later noticed that something was wrong and raised an alarm, drawing attention to the scene.
The Secretary General of the UNILAG Students Union Government, Joshua Saanumi, confirmed the incident and stated that immediate efforts were made to save the victim.
Another student source disclosed that the incident occurred around 10 am, adding that some students attempted resuscitation before Lekan was rushed to the Accident and Emergency unit within the campus.
“He was not pronounced dead at the scene. He was taken to the A&E and later died there,” the source said.
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command were notified and subsequently visited both the scene of the incident and the medical facility. Engineers were also deployed to assess the location where the electrocution occurred.
Preliminary observations, according to sources, did not immediately indicate a visibly defective railing, noting that the area is frequently used by students and security personnel without previous incidents.
University officials including security personnel and engineers were present during the initial assessment.
In an official statement signed by the Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga Ibraheem, the university management confirmed the incident and expressed condolences.
“The University of Lagos Management regrets to confirm a fatal electrocution incident at the College of Medicine Idi Araba campus,” the statement read.
“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 added.
The management urged the public to refrain from speculation, noting that investigations by relevant authorities are ongoing. It also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of members of the university community.
