Nigerian medical professionals are alarmed by the growing number of incidents of individuals passing out unexpectedly, often with no warning or symptoms. The number of sudden fatalities in the nation is not officially recorded, but media reports suggest that the number is on the rise. Athletes, farmers, traders, professors, students, and active and retired government officials are among those who have been reported killed.
Some of the victims died, while others were taken to hospitals where they were declared dead by the time they arrived.
Concerns have been raised nationwide by these unfortunate instances that have been recorded in homes, businesses, marketplaces, football fields, farms, and even places of worship.
Numerous medical professionals, including cardiologists, have connected the majority of unexpected mortality instances to unidentified illnesses, bad lifestyle choices, and delayed emergency responses.
They counseled Nigerians to pay attention to their bodies, adopt healthier behaviors, and take warning signs seriously.
They claimed that many of these unexpected fatalities may have been prevented with increased awareness, prompt medical examinations, and emergency preparation.
A few of the physicians urged governments to subsidize the price of medications for conditions that put people at risk of unexpected death.
During the Rural Electrification Agency's (REA) stakeholders roundtable with Akwa Ibom State authorities on Wednesday of last week, Dr. Ahmed Alhassan, the agency's interim director, allegedly sagged and passed away.
Following a 72-hour call duty, a young resident physician at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt, Olowafemi Rotifa, sagged and passed away on September 3, 2025. After three days of being on constant call duty in the emergency room, according to witnesses, he withdrew to the call room to relax. There, he fell and eventually passed away despite attempts to revive him in the intensive care unit.
Mohammed Saleh, a 56-year-old Egyptian citizen, died on Friday, September 5, 2025, after allegedly collapsing at a hotel in the FCT, Abuja's Wuse Zone 4. He was reportedly enjoying supper at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel with three other persons when he passed away.
Akin Olowokere, the assistant coach with THE Shooting Stars Sports Club, passed away during practice in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, in August.
A 47-year-old Chinese national named Luo Mao was reported dead in August after falling while working at a ceramics plant in Kogi State. Another Chief James Aiyepeku, the father of a slain photographer, reportedly passed away after collapsing.
Ibrahim Adamu, the leader of the Fulani vigilantes in the Federal Capital Territory, allegedly passed away at home, while Comrade Chuma-Odili, a media specialist in Anambra, apparently died after collapsing during a public event.
Engr. Mohammed Amate, a former Pioneer Director-General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office and member of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, died on June 23, 2025, while playing golf at the Zuma Golf Club, which is a part of the Zuma Rock Resort in Niger State, just outside of Abuja. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he was declared dead at the spot after reportedly collapsing on the 17th hole.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) secretary in Gwargwada Ward, Kuje Area Council of the FCT, Abdullahi Bala, passed away in June after passing out while returning home from the farm.
Caleb Olubolade, the former Minister of Police Affairs and military administrator of Bayelsa State, died on May 11, 2025, at the age of 70 after falling at a lawn tennis court in Apapa, Lagos State.
Jimoh Olanipekun, a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is said to have sagged and passed away during a departmental meeting on Wednesday, March 2015.
In March, 52-year-old Salihu Byezhe passed away in Gudaba village, Abuja, after falling during Subhi prayers. Ajayi Nicholas, 31, was also said to have fallen and passed away in a room at Gwagwalada.
"Heart attacks, which occur when blood flow to parts of the heart is blocked, remain a leading cause of people collapsing without warning," stated cardiologist Dr. Abbas Ibrahim, a health specialist. He pointed out that some people have underlying medical disorders such as diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart muscle thickening), and high cholesterol. He went on to say that stress, whether it be psychological, financial, or physical, can cause arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, which can be lethal if left unchecked.
Physician Dr. Bello Yunusa stressed that cardiac problems are not the only cause of unexpected death. "The brain may play a significant role in a person's collapse and death; the heart is not the only organ that may be at fault. He clarified that strokes may cause people to lose consciousness and perhaps pass away. He pointed out that blood vessel damage might result in ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes, which can be quite deadly.
Dr. Muhammad Alausa, another medical professional, issued a warning on "silent" heart disorders such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, especially in young individuals who engage in strenuous physical activity. According to him, these disorders may result in cardiac failure or unexpected arrhythmias that are not detected until a person passes out.
Dr. Aluko Michael, a public health specialist, attributed several unexpected fatalities to bad lifestyle decisions and a lack of awareness of warning indicators. He pointed out that until they pass out, individuals frequently disregard signs like dizziness, abnormal heartbeats, and chest discomfort. There is a risk of mortality if a patient has discomfort in both the left side of their chest and their arm. "I always recommend that people check their pulse regularly," he added.
Unseen hazards and safeguards
Cardiovascular illnesses are the primary cause of abrupt collapse and mortality, according to Dr. Oladimeji Adebayo, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and a consultant cardiologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
According to him, these conditions can show up as heart attacks, cardiac arrest, stroke, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and illnesses of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathies). According to him, "poor lifestyle choices, such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, often result in these conditions." Additionally, Dr. Adebayo pointed out that the risk is increased when diabetes and hypertension drugs are not taken as prescribed.
"Underlying medical conditions, like hypertension or heart disease, without showing symptoms, can also lead to sudden death if left untreated," he said, highlighting additional contributing variables. A family history of cardiac disease or unexpected death, as well as excessive use of illegal substances like cocaine and opiates, might raise a person's risk. Environmental concerns, including dehydration and heat stroke, were also suggested.
Dr. Adebayo advised Nigerians to take charge of their health to avoid unexpected death.
Know your numbers: To spot any health hazards, he emphasized the importance of monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. "You can take proactive measures to manage your health by being aware of your numbers," he stated.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle: To lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, he suggested routine checkups, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress reduction.
In addition to promoting stress-reduction methods like deep breathing and meditation, he stated that "avoidance of substance abuse is crucial, as limiting or avoiding illicit substances can reduce the risk of sudden death."
Be mindful of warning indications: Dr. Adebayo emphasized the need to pay attention to warning signs."It's crucial to pay attention to warning signs like dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, or chest pain, and to get medical help if you experience any of these symptoms," he said. Additionally, he recommended that those who have a family history of heart disease be proactive and talk to their doctor about their risks.
Physicians desire drug subsidies.
In an interview with Daily Trust last night, Dr. Abass Ajadi Tijani, a neck surgeon and head of the Otorhinolaryngology Department (ENT) at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Azare, Bauchi State, pleaded with the federal and state governments to subsidize necessary drugs for chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, malaria, and other illnesses that greatly increase the risk of sudden death.
In clinical practice, we see patients with these diagnoses daily who are unable to pay for necessary drugs because of their financial situation.
"Unfortunately, preventable complications like myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, kidney failure, diabetic complications, and sudden death are caused by this financial barrier, which also results in poor adherence and uncontrolled disease progression," Dr. Tinaji stated.
According to Dr. Teslim Isiaka of the University College Hospital in Ibadan, there has also been a rise in the incidence of unexpected fatalities among young Nigerians, particularly those under 40.
He claims that there are several reasons for this, chief among them being the startling rise in the prevalence of illnesses that were formerly uncommon in this age range.
"The Nigerian government needs to step up and put an end to this right away. These preventable fatalities are linked to an increase in the prevalence of non-communicable disorders, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
"In this regard, I strongly recommend that the Nigerian government at all levels assist by providing financial assistance for the cost of medications used to treat conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia."
