A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State after a man lost his life while trying to rescue a two-year-old child who accidentally fell into a domestic well, with emergency responders later unable to recover the toddler’s body.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
According to the agency, the incident occurred on Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, where the two-year-old child, whose mother worked as a cleaner in the compound, accidentally fell into a well.
In a desperate effort to save the toddler, a male resident volunteered to climb into the well. However, he became trapped and could not make his way back to the surface.
LASEMA said it received an emergency call at about 9:48 a.m. and immediately dispatched its emergency response team from the Igando Base. Sadly, rescuers recovered the volunteer dead.
“The gallant rescuer who attempted the rescue was recovered deceased,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
His body was later handed over to his family and members of the Hausa community for burial in line with Islamic and community traditions.
The rescue operation involved officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force, who worked tirelessly to recover the missing child.
Despite sustained efforts, including pumping water out of the well, rescuers were hampered by the depth of the well and the thick layer of mud at its base.
LASEMA said a specialist local diver was later engaged to carry out 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 said.
Following consultations with the child’s family and community leaders, the search operation was officially concluded.
LASEMA described the deceased resident as a hero whose courageous attempt to save the child demonstrated uncommon bravery and selfless sacrifice.
The agency also appealed to residents to ensure wells and other hazardous openings around homes are properly covered and secured. It advised the public to contact emergency responders through 767 or 112 instead of attempting risky rescue operations that could result in further loss of life.