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

Friday, July 18, 2025 - Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command, attached to the Durumi divisional headquarters have arrested one Philip Jallo, male of Durumi 2, Abuja.

The arrest followed 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.

The soak away was allegedly left exposed by the negligent suspect despite repeated appeals by surrounding neighbors to cover it.

A statement by Josephine Adeh, FCT Police spokesperson said preliminary investigation revealed that the uncovered soak away had long posed a danger to residents in the area.

She noted that several warnings and pleas were reportedly made by concerned neighbours to the suspect, but he gave a deaf ears and took no necessary action.

The innocent child, according to the police, was 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 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”, the statement added.