Tragedy befell the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba campus of the University of Lagos on Sunday when a male food vendor, identified as Lekan, lost his life in an apparent electrocution.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred in the morning at a water point on the southern side of the campus.
Reports indicated that Lekan had stepped out to dispose of refuse before washing his hands at the tap.
While doing so, he reportedly came into contact with a metal railing near the water source, triggering the electric shock.
A student who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that the vendor was alone when the accident happened.
“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 student said.
Joshua Saanumi, Secretary-General of the Students’ Union Government, confirmed the incident and stated that immediate efforts were made to save the victim.
Other sources said the accident occurred around 10 a.m., and that some students attempted to resuscitate Lekan before he was rushed to the campus Accident and Emergency unit, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Lagos State Police Command was alerted and visited both the scene and the medical facility.
Campus engineers were also deployed to assess the area. Preliminary reports suggested that the metal railing was not defective, as the water point is regularly used by students and staff without prior incidents.
In a statement signed by Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, Head of the Communication Unit, the university management expressed profound 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 statement read.
The statement added that Lekan worked as an assistant to a food vendor operating within the campus, extending condolences to his family and associates.
It also urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue, reiterating the institution’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its community.
