Tragedy struck at a block industry in the Ajaka Estate, Oke Omiru area of Ilesa, Osun State, as a night security guard lost his life after being crushed by several bags of cement while asleep.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday, April 20, 2025, and was discovered around 6:30 p.m. by the owner of the block industry, Mr. Olomola Samuel Olawale, who arrived at his company only to find the lifeless body of his security staff buried under a pile of cement bags.
According to reports, approximately 14 bags of cement had collapsed on the sleeping guard, whose name had yet to be disclosed at the time of filing this report. The guard was immediately rushed to the Wesley Guild Hospital, a unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ilesa, but was confirmed dead on arrival.
Mr. Olawale, who expressed shock at the incident, said the victim was known to be dedicated to his job and had worked with him for some time. “It’s heartbreaking. I never expected such a thing to happen. He was a quiet, responsible man who did his job well,” he told reporters.
The body of the deceased has since been deposited in the hospital morgue, pending further examination and investigation. Authorities have also begun efforts to locate and contact the victim’s family to officially inform them of the tragedy.
While the incident is being treated as an accident for now, local law enforcement has been notified, and an investigation is expected to determine the exact cause of the collapse. Preliminary theories suggest the bags might not have been properly stacked or secured, leading to an eventual toppling that proved fatal.
A senior police officer in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We have received the report and we are already gathering information to understand what happened. If any negligence is found, necessary steps will be taken.”
The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety in small-scale industrial settings, especially in sectors such as block making and construction material storage, where large quantities of heavy goods are involved.
Following the incident, advocacy groups are renewing their calls for stricter enforcement of occupational health and safety standards in Nigeria’s informal and semi-formal sectors. Many believe that accidents like this can be avoided if government agencies step up regular inspections and enforcement in small-scale industries.
While the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has guidelines on workplace safety, implementation has often been weak in rural and semi-urban areas, where regulatory oversight is limited.
As investigations continue and the community mourns, many are hoping that the tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for both employers and regulators. For now, the focus remains on finding the deceased’s family and ensuring they receive the necessary support.
