UNILAG Community in Shock After Food Vendor Dies from Electric Shock

A male food vendor, identified as Lekan, has died after an electrocution incident at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba campus of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at a water point on the southern section of the campus. Lekan had reportedly gone to dispose of refuse before stopping to wash his hands. While turning off a tap, he allegedly came into contact with a nearby metal railing and was electrocuted.

A student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Lekan was alone at the time, and a security operative later noticed something was wrong, raising an alarm that drew 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.

Joshua Saanumi, Secretary-General of the UNILAG Students’ Union Government, confirmed the incident, stating that immediate efforts were made to save the victim. Lekan was reportedly rushed to the campus Accident and Emergency unit, where he later died.

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command were alerted and visited both the scene and the medical facility, while engineers were deployed to inspect the area. Preliminary observations did not immediately indicate a defective railing, as the spot is frequently used by students and staff without prior incidents. University officials, including security personnel and engineers, were present throughout the assessment.

In a statement signed by Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, Head of the Communication Unit, UNILAG 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. “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 university urged the public to avoid speculation, noting that investigations by relevant authorities are ongoing, and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the university community.