An open well
A man has died while trying to rescue a two-year-old child who accidentally fell into a domestic well in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State, in a tragic incident that also left the toddler missing despite an extensive emergency search.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who said the tragedy occurred on Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, on Tuesday.
According to the agency, the toddler, whose mother worked as a cleaner in the compound, accidentally fell into the well. In a desperate attempt to save the child, a male resident climbed into the well but became trapped and was unable to climb back out.
LASEMA said it received a distress call at about 9:48 a.m. and immediately deployed its emergency response team from the Igando Base to the scene. However, the man was found dead before rescuers could reach him.
“The gallant rescuer who attempted the rescue was recovered deceased,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
The victim’s remains were later released to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial in accordance with their customs.
Emergency responders, including officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force, mounted a coordinated operation to recover the missing child.
However, the rescue effort was frustrated by the large volume of water and thick mud inside the well. Despite pumping out water from the well, officials were unable to recover the toddler’s body.
LASEMA said a specialist local diver was eventually brought in to conduct a final search.
“A specialist local diver was eventually deployed for a final search and confirmed that the toddler’s body had gone deep into the mud and could no longer be recovered, with only a single shoe recovered,” the statement added.
The agency said the operation was eventually called off after consultations with the child’s family and community leaders.
LASEMA expressed condolences to the family of the deceased rescuer and the Hausa community, describing his sacrifice as an act of uncommon courage and selflessness.
The agency also urged residents to properly secure wells and other uncovered openings within residential premises and advised members of the public to immediately contact emergency services through 767 or 112 instead of attempting dangerous rescue operations on their own.
