A student of the Centre for Distance Learning (CDL) at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, tragically lost his life on Saturday evening after being electrocuted while attempting to retrieve a football from a neighbouring compound.
Incident Details
The unfortunate event occurred at a private hostel along the Moro–Ife Road, where the student had been playing football with friends. During the game, the ball went over a fence into an adjacent compound. In line with the group’s rule that whoever kicks the ball out retrieves it, the student volunteered to climb over the fence to get it.
After successfully retrieving the ball and tossing it back to his friends, the student attempted to climb back over the fence. Unbeknownst to him, a high-tension wire had been brought down by a rainstorm the previous day. As he climbed, he came into contact with the exposed live wire and was electrocuted immediately.
His friends, noticing his prolonged absence, rushed to the scene and found him unresponsive. They used a stick to dislodge him from the wire and quickly transported him to a private hospital in Ipetumodu. Unfortunately, he was confirmed dead upon arrival.
University’s Response
The Public Relations Officer of OAU, Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju, confirmed the incident and expressed the university’s condolences to the student’s family. He described the deceased as a promising young student who had just joined the group to play football.
“It is unfortunate that we lost one of our CDL students under such circumstances. He had just joined the group to play and was the one who played the ball out. In keeping with the group’s rule, he went to retrieve the ball. After throwing it back, he unknowingly placed his hand on a live wire while attempting to climb out,” Mr. Olanrewaju stated.
He added that the Director of the CDL, Professor Femi Koya, had reached out to the deceased’s parents to inform them of the tragic incident.
Safety Concerns
This incident has raised concerns about safety measures in and around student hostels, especially regarding exposed electrical wires. Residents in the area noted that the high-tension wire had been brought down by a rainstorm the day before, posing a significant hazard.
Local authorities and the university management are urged to collaborate in ensuring that such dangers are promptly addressed to prevent future tragedies.
