A yet-to-be-identified man on Monday fell from one of the top floors of the iconic Cocoa House in Dugbe, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, sparking panic and confusion among passers-by and business owners in the bustling commercial district.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, drew the attention of commuters and shop operators, many of whom were left in shock.
Confirming the incident in a statement, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, owners and managers of the historic building, said the man received immediate attention from emergency responders before being rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for urgent medical care.
Head of Branding and Communication at Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mr Victor Ayetoro, who signed the statement, noted that the company is fully cooperating with relevant authorities currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall.
“We are deeply concerned about the incident and wish to assure the public that every necessary step is being taken, in collaboration with security and medical agencies, to understand the cause and ensure public safety,” the statement read in part.
Speaking on the incident, an eyewitness identified simply as Mr Bolaji, a phone engineer operating near the Post Office adjacent to Cocoa House, recounted the terrifying moment.
“When it happened, I thought it was a big bird that had fallen from the sky. It wasn’t until the person hit the ground that I realised it was a human being. I was so shocked I couldn’t even bring myself to record it on my phone.
“The man first struck a rooftop beside the security post before hitting the ground. It was a terrifying experience,” he said.
There are speculations among onlookers that the man could have either been a worker at the premises or may have deliberately jumped from the building. However, as of press time, the exact cause of the incident remains unclear, as investigations are still ongoing.
Cocoa House, once the tallest building in West Africa, remains one of the most recognisable landmarks in Ibadan and a symbol of the region’s historic economic strength.
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