Tragedy as 3-year-old boy dies after falling into uncovered septic tank in Abuja

A devastating tragedy struck the Durumi 2 area of Abuja on the night of July 16, 2025, as a three-year-old boy lost his life after falling into an uncovered septic tank—a known hazard that had reportedly been ignored for months.

According to a statement released on Friday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, police operatives from the Durumi Divisional Headquarters have arrested a local resident, Philip Jallo, in connection with the incident.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the soakaway had remained dangerously exposed, despite multiple complaints and warnings from neighbours, who had repeatedly urged the suspect to take action and properly cover the tank.

“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,” the statement said.

While the suspect remains in custody, the FCT Commissioner of Police has expressed profound sorrow over the fatal incident and extended his condolences to the grieving family.

He further urged residents to prioritize environmental safety, stressing the importance of community responsibility and ensure their wards are properly monitored at all times to prevent such needless loss of life.”