A tragic incident has occurred in Abule Egba, Lagos State, after a man lost his life while attempting to rescue a two-year-old child who fell into a domestic well.
The incident reportedly happened at Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, where the toddler, whose mother worked as a cleaner in the compound, accidentally fell into the well.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), a resident who attempted to save the child descended into the well but became trapped and was unable to climb out.
The agency, through its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed that it received a distress call at about 9:48 a.m. on Tuesday and immediately deployed an emergency response team from its Igando Base.
However, upon arrival, responders discovered that the man had died. His remains were subsequently handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial in accordance with their customs.
LASEMA, working alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force, launched a coordinated operation to locate the missing toddler.
Despite efforts to drain the well, rescuers encountered significant challenges due to the high volume of water and thick mud at the bottom.
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A specialist local diver was eventually deployed for a final search. According to the agency, the diver reported that the child’s body had sunk deep into the mud and could not be recovered. Only one shoe belonging to the toddler was retrieved.
The rescue operation was subsequently concluded following the expert assessment and consultations with the affected family and community leaders.
LASEMA expressed condolences to the family of the deceased man and the Hausa community, describing his attempt to save the child as an act of extraordinary bravery.
The agency also urged residents to ensure that wells and other dangerous openings in residential compounds are properly covered, raised and secured, particularly in homes where young children are present.
It further warned residents against undertaking dangerous rescue attempts without professional assistance, advising them to contact emergency responders through the toll-free numbers 767 or 112 in the event of an emergency.
The incident highlights the importance of securing domestic wells and allowing trained emergency personnel to handle potentially life-threatening rescue operations.
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