A man sustained serious injuries on Monday after falling from an upper floor of Cocoa House, the iconic 26-storey skyscraper in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The historic building—West Africa’s first high-rise—was thrown into chaos as onlookers witnessed the terrifying event.
The fall occurred early in the morning, sending shockwaves through the business district where Cocoa House is located. Eyewitnesses described the moment as surreal, with initial confusion over what was falling from the height.
“At first, I thought it was a huge bird or an object,” said one eyewitness. “But when he landed, it became clear it was a human being. I was too shocked to even bring out my phone.”
Another witness reported that the man hit the rooftop near the building’s security outpost before crashing to the ground. “It was a horrifying moment. There was screaming and people were running in every direction,” the witness recounted.
Emergency responders quickly moved into action. The management of Cocoa House, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, confirmed the incident in a statement issued Tuesday, saying the victim received immediate attention and was transported to the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, for emergency treatment.
Victor Ayetoro, Head of Branding and Communication at Odu’a Investment Company, stated: “The individual involved was swiftly attended to by the emergency response team and taken to UCH for urgent medical attention.”
As of press time, the identity of the man remains unknown, and authorities have not released details on what led to the fall—whether accidental or intentional. A full investigation is ongoing.
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The incident has raised concerns among tenants, workers, and frequent visitors of Cocoa House, which has long been regarded as a symbol of Nigeria’s post-independence ambition.
Commissioned in 1965, the building remains a vital business hub and a historic landmark in the South-Western region.
Though it has withstood decades of structural and economic shifts, this incident has cast a pall over its proud legacy.
Many in Ibadan are calling for enhanced safety protocols, including the installation of surveillance cameras, railings, and regular mental health checks for staff and visitors.
Social media has been abuzz with speculation about the cause of the fall, with some users expressing concern about security lapses, while others urged restraint until official findings are made public.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has opened a probe into the matter, and preliminary inquiries are already underway.
As the victim receives medical care, Ibadan residents and Nigerians across the country await updates on his condition and the outcome of the investigation.
The incident has prompted renewed conversations about high-rise safety standards and mental health awareness, particularly in commercial centers.
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