CITIZENS COMPASS—A three-year-old boy has reportedly died after falling inside a septic tank popularly known as soakaway pit in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The supposed owner of the building has been arrested for negligence.
Citizens Compass gathered that the septic tank had been left uncovered for some time as the suspect refused to yield to the warnings of residents leading to the loss of life.
The police operatives of Durumi divisional headquarters were said to have arrested the suspect, Philip Jallo, male of Durumi 2, Abuja.
Spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, Abuja, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident in a statement.
According to her, the tragedy occurred 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 faeces in a residential compound, allegedly left exposed by the negligent suspect despite repeated appeals by surrounding neighbors to cover it.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the uncovered soak away had long posed a danger to residents in the area, and several warnings and pleas were reportedly made by concerned neighbours to the suspect, who failed to take necessary action.
“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.
“While the suspect is currently in custody, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, expressed deep sadness over the unfortunate incident and communicated 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.”
