OYO POLICE WARN RESIDENTS TO EXERCISE CAUTION AROUND WATER BODIES TO PREVENT DROWNING

The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday night urged residents to exercise extreme caution around rivers, streams, dams, swimming pools, and other water-related facilities to prevent accidental drownings.
In a statement issued from Ibadan, the state capital, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Olayinka Ayanlade specifically called on church owners and religious organisations whose worship centres are near natural water bodies to implement proactive safety measures during religious activities.
Ayanlade cited past incidents highlighting the dangers of unsupervised water access. In June 2025, a two-year-old girl’s remains were recovered from a well at Orita Mokola Junction, Saki LGA, and in November 2025, the body of a 45-year-old man was retrieved from a well in Odo-Ogbo, Iseyin LGA.
The PPRO emphasized that unsupervised access to water bodies, particularly by children, must be strictly discouraged. He said:
“Members of the public are urged to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies. Church owners, hotel operators, resort managers, and recreational facility administrators must ensure proper supervision, safety notices, and adequate preventive measures are in place to avoid accidents.”
Parents and guardians were specifically advised to monitor children closely, preventing them from visiting rivers, wells, or swimming without responsible adults. Homeowners were reminded to secure wells with proper lids, repair any damage, and restrict access to prevent accidental falls.
Ayanlade also urged operators of recreational facilities to employ trained instructors, lifeguards, and swimming tutors, and to maintain functional safety and rescue equipment at all times.
The statement concluded with a reminder that everyone—residents, facility operators, and community leaders—bears responsibility for preventing drowning incidents in the state.