Tears at UNILAG as Vendor Dies After Touching Metal Railing

A food vendor has died after being electrocuted at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba campus of the University of Lagos.

The incident happened on Sunday morning. The victim, identified as Lekan, was said to be a sales assistant to a food seller on the campus.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place at a water point in the southern part of the campus. Lekan had gone to throw away refuse and later stopped to wash his hands.

While washing his hands, he reportedly touched a metal railing close to a tap and was electrocuted.

A student who spoke anonymously said Lekan was alone when it happened. A security officer later noticed something was wrong and raised an alarm, which drew 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 said.

The Secretary-General of the UNILAG Students’ Union Government, Joshua Saanumi, confirmed the incident. He said efforts were made to save Lekan.

The incident reportedly occurred around 10 a.m. Some students tried to resuscitate him before he was taken to the Accident and Emergency unit on campus. He later died at the hospital.

Officers of the Lagos State Police Command visited the scene and the medical facility. Engineers were also sent to inspect the area.

Sources said there had been no previous complaints about the railing, as students and security officers regularly use the area without any problems.

In a statement signed by the Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the university confirmed the incident and expressed sadness over the death.

The management offered condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and urged the public not to speculate, as investigations are ongoing. The university also assured the community of its commitment to safety on campus.