Jamal Nureni’s aspiration of attending the University of Lagos to study engineering was tragically shattered over the weekend when a neighboring water tank fell and fatally crushed him while he was asleep.
The 20-year-old victim resided with his grandmother, Alhaja Yemisi Odejinmi, on Alhaji Kazeem Street in the Ikotun-Egbe area of Lagos.
According to a report from Daily Trust, Nureni was sleeping on Saturday when the water-filled tank from the neighboring compound toppled onto the roo okf of his grandmother’s house. The tank subsequently crashed through the room where Nureni was sleeping, resulting in severe head injuries.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The grieving grandmother informed journalists that she had intended to obtain a confirmation letter of her grandson’s citizenship as part of the admission requirements for the University. She had planned to accompany him to the palace of a Lagos monarch that Saturday morning to obtain the letter, but tragedy struck before they could embark on their journey.
She explained, “There is a fence separating my house and that of my neighbors. I have been living here for over 40 years. Whenever they pump water and their tank becomes full, it spills into my compound. I have talked to them several times, but they didn’t change their ways. Since we are all from the same town (Abeokuta), I decided to let it go and would always sweep away the water.”
“Jamal (Nureni) was seeking admission to the University of Lagos, and he needed proof of citizenship. He and I were planning to go to the palace of the Oba of Isolo that Saturday morning to obtain a confirmation letter.”
She continued, “I was in the bathroom around 6:30 am when I heard a loud noise. I never knew it was coming from my room. The tank fell from our neighbor’s compound and crashed into the room where my grandson was sleeping. It crushed his head. He was 20 years old and had been living with me for about three years.”
The incident was reported to the Ikotun Police Station, and the Divisional Police Officer, along with his team, visited the scene.
“His father lives in Canada, and I have informed him of the news. He was devastated. We have been receiving many visitors, and the owners of the tank have been pleading with us as well,” Odejinmi added.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident in a Twitter post and advised people to ensure their water tanks are securely positioned.
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