An unidentified man sustained serious injuries after falling from one of the upper floors of the iconic Cocoa House in Ibadan on Monday morning, causing widespread alarm among people in the area.
The incident took place early in the day, catching many by surprise in the bustling commercial hub. According to bystanders, the man appeared to have fallen from a significant height, landing near the building’s security post.
One witness recounted the shocking moment: “At first, I thought it was a large bird dropping from the sky, but when he hit the ground, I realised it was a person. I was too stunned to even react.”
Another onlooker described the scene in vivid detail, saying the man struck a rooftop structure before hitting the ground, adding to the intensity of the fall.
The exact circumstances surrounding the fall remain unclear. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether the incident was accidental or intentional.
Odu’a Investment Company Limited, the firm responsible for managing the historic Cocoa House, confirmed the incident in a statement issued Tuesday.
Victor Ayetoro, Head of Branding and Communication for the company, stated that the victim received immediate attention from emergency responders before being transported to the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan for urgent medical treatment.
“The company is deeply concerned about the incident and is working closely with relevant authorities to support the ongoing investigation,” Ayetoro noted.
Cocoa House, a 26-storey building and one of Nigeria’s oldest skyscrapers, remains a prominent symbol of the region’s economic heritage. The recent incident has renewed conversations around safety protocols within and around high-rise structures in the city.
