Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The police operatives of Durumi divisional headquarters have arrested one Philip Jallo, male of Durumi 2, Abuja, following a heart-wrenching tragedy which occured on July 16, 2025, at about 9:00 pm, where a 3-year-old boy fell and drowned in an uncovered septic tank (soak away) with feaces in a residential compound, allegedly left exposed by the negligent suspect despite repeated appeals by surrounding neighbors to cover it. This was contained in a statement signed by SP. Josephine Adeh, ANIPR, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, Abuja.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the uncovered soak away had long posed a danger to residents in the area, and several warnings and pleas were reportedly made by concerned neighbours to the suspect, who failed to take necessary action.
The innocent child was said to be playing within the compound when he tragically slipped and fell into the uncovered soak away. Sadly, the victim was pronounced dead at the hospital after being rescued from the tank.
While the suspect is currently in custody, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, expressed deep sadness over the unfortunate incident and commiserates with the bereaved family. He also urges residents to take environmental safety seriously, while parents and guardians must also be vigilant and ensure their wards are properly monitored at all times to prevent such needless loss of life.
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