
A tragic incident unfolded on Monday morning in Ibadan as an unidentified man reportedly fell from one of the upper floors of the iconic 26-storey Cocoa House, a historic skyscraper located in the center of Oyo State’s capital.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described the incident as deeply disturbing and surreal. The unexpected fall left many in shock, with bystanders struggling to comprehend what had just happened.
One eyewitness, visibly shaken, said, “At first, I thought it was a bird dropping from the sky. But as it got closer to the ground, I realized, to my horror, that it was a person. It was something I’ll never forget.”
The witness continued, “I had my phone in my hand but I couldn’t even think of recording. I froze. Everyone around me was stunned.”
Another person who witnessed the incident said, “The man hit the roof of a structure next to the security post before crashing to the ground. It was a terrifying moment, and people screamed in panic.”
At this time, the exact cause of the fall remains uncertain. It is unclear whether it was accidental, intentional, or the result of a possible structural failure. Authorities are actively investigating the matter to determine what led to the unfortunate event.
In response to the incident, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, the organization that manages Cocoa House, issued an official statement on Tuesday. The company confirmed the occurrence and emphasized that emergency services were promptly alerted and acted swiftly.
Victor Ayetoro, Head of Branding and Communication at the company, stated, “The individual involved was swiftly attended to by the emergency response team and taken to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, for immediate medical care.”
He further noted that the company is fully cooperating with the relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted. He also reassured the public of the company’s ongoing commitment to safety and responsibility.
“We are deeply concerned about the incident and are working closely with law enforcement and safety officials to understand the full details of what occurred,” Ayetoro said.
As of the time this report was filed, the current condition of the victim has not been officially disclosed, and authorities have yet to release the man’s identity. The incident has sparked discussions about safety protocols at tall buildings across the state.