A man has lost his life while attempting the rescue of a two-year-old child who accidentally fell into a deep well in Abule Egba area of Lagos State.
According to Daily Trust, the incident occurred when the toddler, whose mother worked as a cleaner in the compound, slipped into the uncovered water source.
The incident took place along Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, Abule Egba. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), after receiving a distress call at 9.48 am, immediately mobilised its Igando base response team, operating jointly alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the deceased resident had voluntarily descended into the well to save the child but became trapped and was unable to climb out. Despite the deployment of emergency responders, the man was recovered dead, while efforts to retrieve the toddler was unsuccessful.
The agency subsequently handed over the remains of the deceased resident to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial in accordance with their customs.
Dr Oke-Osanyintolu, while speaking on the incident revealed that the high volume of water and thick mud at the bottom of the well impeded the joint operations. Dewatering efforts were undertaken but encountered serious operational challenges at the scene.
A local diver was deployed into the well for a final assessment. The diver confirmed that the toddler’s body had sunk completely into the deep mud and could no longer be safely recovered, retrieving only one of the child’s shoes during the operation.
LASEMA extended its condolences to the bereaved families, describing the man’s intervention as an act of uncommon bravery.
The emergency management agency however, warned citizens against undertaking dangerous rescue operations without professional expertise to prevent additional casualties. The authorities also urged landlords to ensure that wells and other dangerous openings in residential compounds are properly raised, covered, and secured, particularly in homes with young children.
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