The Oyo State Police Command has urged residents to exercise heightened caution around rivers, streams, dams, swimming pools and other water facilities, following a spate of drowning incidents recorded across the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night in Ibadan, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the warning became necessary after several tragic cases reported in 2025. He also called on church owners and religious organisations, especially those with worship centres located near natural water bodies, to adopt strict safety measures during religious activities.
According to the police, unsupervised access to water bodies—particularly by children—poses serious risks and must be discouraged.
“Members of the public are advised to exercise extreme caution around rivers, streams, dams, swimming pools and other water-related facilities to prevent accidental drowning,” Ayanlade said.
He cited recent incidents, including the recovery of the body of a two-year-old girl from a well at Orita Mokola Junction in Saki Local Government Area in June 2025, and the retrieval of a 45-year-old man’s body from a well in Odo-Ogbo, Oja-Agbe, Iseyin Local Government Area, in November 2025.
The police spokesperson urged hotel owners, resort operators and managers of recreational facilities to ensure swimming pools are properly supervised and clearly marked with safety notices. He also stressed the need for trained lifeguards, swimming instructors and functional rescue equipment at such facilities.
Parents and guardians were advised to remain vigilant over their wards. “Children should not be allowed near rivers, wells or swimming areas without responsible adults who can properly guide and supervise them at all times,” Ayanlade said.
He further warned homeowners with wells to ensure they are securely covered and locked when not in use, adding that any damaged or corroded well covers must be repaired immediately to prevent accidents.
The police assured residents of continued public safety awareness while appealing for collective responsibility to reduce avoidable tragedies linked to water-related activities.
