The Oyo State Police Command, on Wednesday night, advised residents of the state to exercise extreme caution around rivers, streams, dams, swimming pools, and other water-related facilities to prevent accidental drowning.
A statement released by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital, also admonished church owners and religious organisations, particularly those whose worship centres are located close to rivers, streams, or other natural water bodies, to take proactive safety measures during religious activities.
The PUNCH reports that the advice became imperative following a series of similar tragedies recorded across the state in 2025.
In June 2025, officials of the Saki Zonal Command of the state Fire Service Agency recovered the remains of a two-year-old girl from a well at Orita Mokola Junction in the Saki Local Government Area of the state.
In November 2025, the body of a 45-year-old man was retrieved from a well in Odo-Ogbo, Oja-Agbe, in the Iseyin Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking further, the state PPRO said unsupervised access to nearby water bodies, especially by children, should be strictly discouraged.
He said, “Members of the public are hereby urged to exercise extreme caution around rivers, streams, dams, swimming pools, and other water-related facilities to prevent accidental drowning.
“Church owners and religious organisations, particularly those whose worship centres are located close to rivers, streams, or other natural water bodies, are advised to take proactive safety measures during religious activities and ensure adequate supervision to prevent accidental drowning.
“Unsupervised access to nearby water bodies, especially by children, should be strictly discouraged.
“Hotel owners, resort operators, and managers of recreational facilities are reminded of their responsibility to ensure that all swimming pools within their premises are properly supervised and clearly marked with safety notices.”
He advised parents and guardians to be vigilant and intentional about the safety of their wards.
“Children should not be allowed to visit rivers, wells, or engage in swimming activities without responsible adults who will properly guide, guard, and supervise them at all times,” the PPRO said.
“Owners and occupants of houses with wells are advised to ensure that all wells are properly covered and securely lidded at all times. Where corrosion, damage, or structural defects are noticed on well covers or protective structures, such defects must be addressed immediately to prevent accidents.
“In households with wells, elders and responsible adults must ensure that access to the well area is restricted and securely locked when not in use by an adult,” he added.
Ayanlade further advised owners and operators of recreational facilities to employ trained instructors, lifeguards, and swimming tutors to guide users and prevent accidents and drowning, adding that essential safety and rescue equipment must also be readily available and functional at all times.
