Police Arrests Abuja Resident as Toddler Drowns in Soakaway Tragedy

DDM News

A tragic incident in Abuja has led to the arrest of a local resident after a three-year-old boy drowned in an uncovered soakaway pit.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the unfortunate event occurred on Tuesday night in the Durumi 2 area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Efforts by DDM correspondents to verify the details with additional eyewitnesses and neighbors revealed that the open septic pit had long been a cause for concern in the community.

According to a statement released by the FCT Police Command on Friday, the arrested individual, identified as Philip Jallo, is believed to be the custodian of the property where the incident occurred.

He was taken into custody by officers attached to the Durumi Divisional Headquarters immediately after the tragic event.

The deceased child was reportedly playing within the compound when he accidentally fell into the exposed soakaway, which was filled with human waste.

He was pulled out of the pit and rushed to the hospital, where medical personnel confirmed him dead.

Preliminary investigations, according to Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, revealed that residents in the area had previously raised concerns over the hazardous state of the soakaway pit.

Several warnings and complaints were allegedly issued to the suspect, but no preventive action was taken.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, expressed deep sorrow over the death of the child.

He extended condolences to the grieving family and emphasized the importance of proactive environmental safety.

CP Adewale called on residents to ensure all hazardous structures around their homes are secured to prevent similar tragedies.

He also urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and supervise their children closely at all times.

“This avoidable incident should serve as a painful reminder that negligence can cost lives,” he stated.

The police confirmed that Philip Jallo remains in custody while investigations continue.

It is not yet clear what specific charges may be filed, but sources say the case may involve criminal negligence resulting in death.

The Durumi community has been left in shock, with several residents demanding stricter enforcement of safety regulations within residential neighborhoods.

As the matter develops, local authorities are expected to inspect similar facilities in the area to avert further danger.

The tragedy adds to growing concerns about poor environmental standards and enforcement in the nation’s capital.

👇👇👇

Follow DDM’s official WhatsApp Channel for real-time updates.

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vajkwdc4dTnFHl19vW3g

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook