UNILAG Food Vendor Dies in Electrocution at College of Medicine Campus
Kehinde Adeleye
A male food vendor, identified only 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 the incident occurred at a water point on the southern section of the campus. Lekan reportedly went to dispose of refuse before stopping to wash his hands, during which he came into contact with a metal railing near a tap and was electrocuted.
A student, speaking anonymously, said the vendor was alone at the location when the incident happened. A security operative later noticed something was wrong and raised an alarm, attracting attention 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 explained.
The Secretary-General of the UNILAG Students’ Union Government, Joshua Saanumi, confirmed the incident and said immediate efforts were made to save the victim. Students attempted resuscitation before Lekan was rushed to the campus Accident and Emergency unit, where he later died.
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 suggest a defective railing, as the site is frequently used by students and security personnel without prior incident.
University officials, including security personnel and engineers, were present during the assessment.
In a statement signed by the Head of Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the University confirmed the fatality 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.
University management urged the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the campus community.
