Oyo Police Warn Against Drowning Risks

The Oyo State Police Command has urged residents to be vigilant and adopt strict safety measures around rivers, wells, swimming pools, and other water-related facilities to curb incidents of accidental drowning across the state.

The warning was issued on Wednesday night by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, in a statement released in Ibadan, the state capital.

According to the police, the advisory became necessary following multiple drowning-related deaths recorded in different parts of Oyo State in 2025. DSP Ayanlade cautioned that unrestricted access to water bodies, particularly by children, poses serious risks and should be discouraged by families and community members. He stressed that parents and guardians must take responsibility for ensuring the safety of their wards at all times.

The police spokesperson also called on church owners and religious organisations whose worship centres are located near rivers, streams, or other natural water bodies to introduce proactive safety measures during religious activities. He noted that large gatherings near water without proper supervision could easily lead to avoidable tragedies.

“The public is advised to exercise extreme caution around rivers, streams, dams, swimming pools, and other water-related facilities to prevent accidental drowning,” Ayanlade stated. “Religious organisations conducting activities near water bodies must ensure adequate supervision and safety arrangements.”

Highlighting past incidents, the police recalled that in June 2025, officials of the Saki Zonal Command of the Oyo State Fire Service recovered the body of a two-year-old girl from a well at Orita Mokola Junction in the Saki Local Government Area. In another incident recorded in November 2025, the remains of a 45-year-old man were retrieved from a well in Odo-Ogbo, Oja-Agbe, Iseyin Local Government Area.

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The police also directed hotel owners, resort operators, and managers of recreational facilities to ensure that swimming pools within their premises are properly supervised and clearly marked with safety signs. According to the command, operators of such facilities must employ trained lifeguards and ensure that rescue equipment is readily available and functional.

Additionally, owners of houses with wells were advised to ensure that all wells are properly covered and secured at all times. The police warned that damaged or corroded well covers must be repaired immediately to prevent accidents.

Ayanlade reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and urged residents to report unsafe environments that could pose dangers to the public.