Medical professionals are expressing growing concern over the increasing number of Nigerians suddenly collapsing and dying without warning, a trend they describe as a silent public health crisis.
In recent months, several prominent individuals and ordinary citizens have suffered sudden deaths, often in public places or during daily activities. On August 14, 2025, Chief James Aiyepeku, father of murdered journalist Ayobami Aiyepeku, reportedly slumped and died from shock over his son’s killing. Just days earlier, on August 11, Shooting Stars SC’s assistant coach, Akin Olowokere, collapsed during training and died. On May 13, 2025, Ogun State Television broadcaster, Bukola Agbakaizu, also slumped and passed away moments before her scheduled shift.
The list of similar cases continues to grow. Bariga Local Government Chairman, Kolade Alabi, collapsed during an APC stakeholders’ meeting but survived. In April, Lagos hotelier Kunle Akinyele slumped and died at his wife’s thanksgiving party. During the 2024 AFCON semi-final, NYSC member Samuel collapsed and died while watching the match, while former federal lawmaker Cairo Ojougboh suffered the same fate. Legendary singer Onyeka Onwenu was reported to have collapsed after a stage performance, and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, fainted during his Senate screening but was revived.
Doctors link these sudden deaths to underlying health conditions such as cardiac arrest, untreated hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, stroke, cancer, kidney failure, and respiratory problems. Stress, emotional trauma, and lifestyle choices including drug, alcohol, and tobacco use also contribute.
U.S.-based neurosurgeon Dr. Feyitayo Akorede, alongside the Coalition of Nigerian Doctors in Diaspora, has urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to create an emergency health intervention fund to address what they describe as a national health emergency. Similarly, Prof. Tanimola Akande, a public health expert at the University of Ilorin, emphasized that family history, obesity, lack of exercise, and poor lifestyle choices significantly increase the risks. Lagos physician Dr. Innocent Okoawo further explained that untreated conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes often cause clots that block blood flow to the heart or brain, leading to sudden death.
Experts warn that many Nigerians either ignore medical checkups or reject prescribed treatments due to cultural beliefs and fear of stigma. They recommend that citizens undergo routine health screenings at least twice a year, with a particular focus on cardiovascular and cholesterol tests. They also advised workplaces and government institutions to implement mandatory health checks, while encouraging the public to embrace healthier diets, regular exercise, and stress management.
Health professionals and advocacy groups insist that without urgent interventions, the disturbing trend of sudden collapse and death will continue to silently claim lives across Nigeria.
