The reported death of Senator Bello Mandiya after an alleged slip and fall in his bathroom has drawn attention to the dangers of slippery bathroom floors, the importance of fall prevention, and the risks faced by people who live alone without regular check-ins from family, friends or neighbours.
Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, recounted the tragic incident during Senate plenary, saying his colleague’s body was reportedly discovered at his Abuja residence about 72 hours after the incident.
According to Ningi, Mandiya had been preparing to attend the Friday congregational prayer when he reportedly slipped after taking his bath, struck his head and collapsed. He was allegedly unable to get help, leaving him undiscovered for days.
“He brought out his cap, his phones, and put them on the bed, and went into the bathroom to take his bath. After taking his bath, when he was out of the bathroom, then he slipped and knocked his head in the bathroom,” Ningi told the Senate.
The circumstances surrounding the incident underscore how a seemingly routine activity, such as bathing, can become life-threatening. Bathrooms are particularly hazardous because water, soap, shampoo and smooth floor surfaces can create slippery conditions. A sudden fall can result in serious injuries, including head trauma, fractures and loss of consciousness.
A fall can become even more dangerous when no one is around to help.
Ningi explained that nobody initially realised what had happened to Mandiya until a foul smell began emanating from his apartment and spreading to neighbouring properties.
He added that the Chief Imam of Apo also became concerned after noticing that Mandiya, who regularly attended the five daily Muslim prayers with other worshippers, had been absent for three consecutive days.
The imam’s concern, combined with the smell coming from the apartment, prompted residents to investigate. Those who went to the residence eventually forced the door open and reportedly discovered Mandiya’s body in the bathroom.
Ningi said he was in Saudi Arabia when his son telephoned him about the incident. He told the Senate that his son was among those who discovered the former lawmaker’s body on Monday, September 7, 2026.
“For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” he said.
The tragedy highlights a frequently overlooked risk of living alone: when an individual suffers a sudden medical emergency, a serious fall or a loss of consciousness, there may be nobody nearby to raise the alarm or call for assistance. Even when an injury might otherwise be survivable, delays in discovering the victim can worsen the outcome.
Simple steps to reduce the risk of bathroom falls
Although not every accident can be prevented, several practical precautions can make bathrooms safer, particularly for older adults and people who live alone.
• Install non-slip bathroom mats: Use secure, non-slip mats inside and outside the shower or bathing area. Avoid loose rugs that can slide underfoot.
• Keep floors dry: Wipe up water promptly and ensure that the bathroom floor drains properly. Avoid leaving puddles around the bathing area.
• Install grab bars: Securely fitted grab bars near the shower, bathtub and toilet can provide additional support when standing, sitting or moving.
• Use non-slip footwear: Wear suitable bathroom slippers with a good grip rather than walking barefoot on wet, smooth tiles.
• Move carefully after bathing: Stand up slowly, maintain your balance and avoid rushing, particularly when stepping out of a shower or bathtub.
• Improve lighting: Ensure that bathroom lights are bright enough to reveal wet patches, changes in floor level and other potential hazards.
• Keep a phone or emergency alert device accessible: Where practical, keep a waterproof phone within reach or use a wearable emergency alert device. Do not place a phone so far away that it cannot be reached after a fall.
• Consider a shower seat: A stable shower chair can reduce the need to stand for long periods and may be helpful for people with balance or mobility difficulties.
Living alone requires a safety plan
Mandiya’s reported death also raises an important question: what happens when someone living alone experiences an emergency and cannot call for help?
Living independently does not necessarily mean living unsafely. However, people who live alone should establish reliable arrangements that allow others to notice when something is wrong.
Regular check-ins with relatives, friends or trusted neighbours can make a significant difference. Agree on a daily call or message, particularly for older people or anyone at increased risk of falling. If a person misses an agreed check-in and cannot be reached, someone should follow up promptly rather than assuming everything is fine.
Other useful measures include sharing emergency contact details with trusted people, keeping the home accessible to emergency responders through an appropriate emergency access arrangement, and considering a monitored personal alarm where necessary.
Neighbours, religious communities and social groups can also play an important role. In Mandiya’s case, the imam’s awareness of his regular attendance helped raise the alarm when his absence became unusual.
Anyone who witnesses a fall should seek emergency medical assistance if the person has hit their head, lost consciousness, appears confused or cannot get up safely. If a person is found after an unwitnessed fall, especially when a head injury is suspected, urgent medical assessment is essential. Do not move someone unnecessarily if a serious head, neck or spinal injury is possible, unless there is an immediate danger.
A sobering reminder
Expressing sadness over the circumstances surrounding his colleague’s death, Ningi described the incident as a reminder of life’s uncertainty and the fact that nobody can predict when death will come.
Beyond the grief, the reported circumstances offer a practical lesson: bathroom safety should never be taken for granted, and living alone should not mean being beyond the reach of help.
A non-slip mat, a grab bar, a readily accessible emergency device and a simple daily check-in may appear to be small precautions. Yet these measures can help reduce the risk of a fall or ensure that assistance arrives sooner when an accident occurs.
The essential message is clear: prevent falls where possible, plan for emergencies and make sure that people living alone are not left without a reliable safety net.