A man has died while trying to save a two-year-old child who fell into a well at Abule Egba, Lagos State. The toddler could not be recovered despite hours of rescue efforts.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement by its permanent secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
The incident happened at Paul Street, inward Agbe Road. The child’s mother reportedly worked as a cleaner in the compound where the toddler accidentally fell into the well.
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, a resident entered the well to rescue the child but became trapped and could not climb out.
LASEMA received a distress call at 9.48 am and sent its response team from the Igando base. However, the man was recovered dead.
“The gallant rescuer who attempted the rescue was recovered deceased,” the statement said.
His remains were handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial according to their customs.
LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force took part in the operation.
Rescuers struggled with the water and thick mud inside the well. After dewatering efforts faced challenges, a specialist local diver was brought in. The diver confirmed that the child’s body had sunk too deep into the mud to be recovered. Only one of the toddler’s shoes was found.
The search was stopped after consultations with the family and community leaders.
LASEMA condoled with the man’s family and the Hausa community, praising his bravery. It urged residents to secure wells and warned against dangerous rescue attempts without proper skills.
