The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested one Philip Jallo of Durumi 2, Abuja, in connection with the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy who drowned after falling into an uncovered septic tank.
The heartbreaking incident occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2025, in a residential compound in the Durumi area of Abuja. According to police authorities, the toddler was playing within the compound when he accidentally slipped and fell into the exposed soakaway filled with faeces. He was rescued but sadly pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police investigations revealed that the septic tank had long posed a danger to residents, with neighbours reportedly making repeated appeals to the suspect to cover it. However, Mr. Jallo allegedly ignored the warnings and failed to take appropriate action, resulting in the fatal incident.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, described the event as “a heart-wrenching tragedy” and disclosed that the suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Read also:
- 23-yr-old man stabs father to death in Delta
- ‘Drowned 13-year-old, beat security check to gain access into pool’
- Shocking Confession: OOU student murders 18-year-old church member in cold blood
The Commissioner of Police, FCT, expressed profound sadness over the child’s death and extended condolences to the bereaved family. He also issued a strong warning to residents to prioritise environmental safety and infrastructure maintenance in their compounds.
“This unfortunate loss of a young life could have been avoided. We urge residents to take environmental hazards seriously. Parents and guardians must also monitor their children closely at all times to avoid similar disasters,” the Commissioner stated.
This incident brings to light the growing concern over environmental negligence in residential areas across Abuja, where open soakaways, broken fences, and uncovered boreholes remain unattended despite known risks.
Authorities have vowed to hold those accountable for such negligence and are calling on landlords, tenants, and caretakers to comply with safety regulations to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable children.
