The body of a young man who was earlier reported missing has been recovered from the Obalende Underbridge Canal on Lagos Island, bringing a sad end to days of uncertainty around his whereabouts.
The deceased, whose identity has not yet been officially released by authorities, was believed to have lived under the Obalende Bridge for a long period. The area is known to be occupied by homeless individuals and informal settlers who seek shelter beneath the busy bridge.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the young man was known within the community for engaging in illicit drug use. Residents said he was often seen around the bridge and nearby areas, sometimes behaving erratically.
The incident reportedly occurred several days before the body was found. However, his absence initially went unnoticed, as he lived alone and had no known close relatives or friends who could quickly raise an alarm.
A search effort was later carried out after concerns were raised by people familiar with the area. The search led to the discovery of his remains in the canal beneath the Obalende Bridge.
Officials of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) unit, were immediately alerted after the body was discovered. LAGESC officers responded to the scene and coordinated the evacuation of the remains.
The body was later taken to the mortuary at the Lagos General Hospital for proper documentation and further procedures, in line with standard practice.
A LAGESC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said preliminary observations suggested that the young man may have accidentally fallen into the canal.
“It appears he slipped into the canal while under the influence of drugs,” the official said. “No one realised he was missing until days later, when a search led to the discovery of the body.”
Although no foul play has been confirmed, authorities said further examination would be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.
The Obalende Underbridge area is a busy part of Lagos Island, surrounded by major roads, offices, and transport routes. Beneath the bridge, however, are open drainage canals and waterways that pose serious risks, especially at night or during the rainy season.
Over the years, several accidents have been recorded in similar locations across Lagos, particularly involving homeless individuals, drug users, and pedestrians who fall into open drains or canals.
Residents and commuters in the area said the incident highlights the dangers posed by open canals and the growing problem of homelessness and drug abuse in parts of the city.
“This is not the first time something like this has happened,” a shop owner near the bridge said. “People live under these bridges, and when it rains or at night, it becomes very dangerous.”
Lagos has continued to battle the challenge of open drainage systems, which are meant to manage floodwater but often become death traps for unsuspecting residents. During heavy rainfall, canals overflow, while in dry periods, they are often used as dumping grounds.
Environmental officials have repeatedly warned residents to stay away from canals and drainage channels, especially under bridges and highways. The government has also carried out several enforcement operations to clear illegal occupants from under bridges and public spaces.
The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) plays a key role in enforcing environmental laws, preventing illegal structures, and keeping public spaces clear. The agency is often involved in evacuating people living under bridges, as well as responding to sanitation and safety issues.
In recent years, the Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to address drug abuse, especially among youths and homeless populations. Agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Lagos State Task Force have conducted raids in known drug spots across the city.
Despite these efforts, drug use remains a major social problem, often linked to accidents, health issues, and crime. Experts say drug addiction increases the risk of falls, drowning, and other fatal incidents, particularly in unsafe environments.
Social workers have also pointed to the need for better support systems for homeless individuals, many of whom struggle with mental health issues and substance abuse.
“This tragedy shows the gap in social care,” a social development advocate said. “People living on the streets are often invisible until something goes wrong.”
The identity of the deceased is expected to be established through further investigation and possible identification by relatives or acquaintances. Authorities said anyone with information that could help identify the man should contact the nearest police station.
While investigations continue, residents have called on the government to improve safety around open canals, including the installation of barriers, better lighting, and warning signs.
Some also urged the state to strengthen rehabilitation programmes for drug users and provide shelters for homeless individuals to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For now, the recovery of the body has brought closure to the search for the missing man, but it has also raised broader concerns about safety, homelessness, and drug abuse in Lagos.