Food Vendor Electrocuted to Death in UNILAG Campus

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 incident occurred at a water point on the southern section of the campus.

Lekan was said to have gone to dispose of refuse before stopping to wash his hands. In the process, he reportedly came into contact with a metal railing close to a tap and was electrocuted.

A student, who spoke anonymously, said the vendor was alone at the location when the incident happened.

According to the source, a security operative later noticed something was amiss and raised an alarm, attracting 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.

The Secretary-General of the UNILAG Students’ Union Government, Joshua Saanumi, confirmed the incident, adding that immediate efforts were made to save the victim.

The student source disclosed that the incident occurred around 10 a.m., noting 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 alerted and subsequently visited both the scene of the incident and the medical facility. Engineers were also deployed to assess the area where the electrocution occurred.

Preliminary observations, according to the source, did not immediately point to a defective railing, as the area is frequently used by students and security personnel without previous incidents.

University officials, including security personnel and engineers, were present at the scene.

In an official statement signed by the Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the University management confirmed the incident 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 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 members of the public to avoid speculation, noting that investigations by relevant authorities were ongoing, while reaffirming its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the university community.