Nigeria: Three-year-old boy dies after falling in open soakaway in Lagos

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

A tragic incident occurred in the Babarinsa area of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, where a three-year-old boy, Chibuike Uba, lost his life after falling into an open soakaway. The incident happened on Wednesday when Chibuike’s mother, Utoro, visited her aunt in the community. While Utoro was packing her belongings to leave, Chibuike followed his aunt outside, who had stepped out to make a phone call.

The soakaway, located in a neighboring compound, was uncovered and lacked fencing, making it easily accessible.

 When Chibuike’s aunt returned inside, she couldn’t find him, prompting a frantic search. Utoro discovered her son’s slippers near the soakaway and raised an alarm.

Chibuike was quickly pulled out of the soakaway and rushed to a nearby hospital at Sapati area, and later referred to the General Hospital at Akodo.

Despite being placed on oxygen, Chibuike was confirmed dead by doctors on duty.

Utoro blamed the landlord for the incident, alleging that her aunt had repeatedly warned him to close the soakaway, but he failed to do so. However, efforts to reach the landlord for comment proved abortive.

Harmony Tachie, founder of Harmony Advocacy Network, stated that the landlord doesn’t reside in the community and efforts are being made to report the incident to the police station to seek justice 

This incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.