Man Dies While Attempting to Rescue Toddler from Well

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A tragic incident has occurred in Abule Egba, Lagos State, after a man lost his life in a courageous attempt to rescue a toddler who fell into a domestic well.

Despite search efforts by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the child’s body remains unrecovered following the conclusion of the agency’s search operation.

The incident occurred at No. 4, Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, on Tuesday, October 20, after the toddler, whose mother worked as a cleaner in the compound, accidentally fell into the well.

In a statement signed by LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Agency disclosed that it received a distress call at 9:48 a.m. and immediately deployed its response team from the Igando Base.

According to LASEMA, a member of the Hausa community in the area entered the well in a courageous attempt to save the child but became trapped and was later recovered dead.

The agency, working alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force, launched coordinated rescue efforts despite the difficult conditions posed by the well’s depth and high water level.

LASEMA confirmed that the deceased rescuer’s remains were handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial in accordance with their customs.

Efforts to recover the toddler were unsuccessful because of the high volume of water and thick mud at the bottom of the well. The agency explained that dewatering operations encountered challenges, prompting the deployment of a specialist local diver for a final search.

The diver reportedly determined that the toddler’s body had sunk deep into the mud and could not be retrieved. Only one shoe belonging to the child was recovered.

Following an expert assessment and consultations with the family and community leaders, LASEMA announced the conclusion of the operation, with all responders returning to base.

Oke-Osanyintolu expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the Hausa community, while acknowledging the rescuer’s courage in risking his life to save the toddler.

The Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also extended its condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.

The Agency urged residents to ensure that wells and other openings within residential premises are properly covered, raised and secured, particularly in homes where young children live.

It further advised residents to contact LASEMA through its toll-free emergency numbers, 767 and 112, rather than attempting dangerous self-rescue operations that could lead to additional casualties.