A man has died while attempting to rescue a two-year-old child who fell into a well at Abule Egba, Lagos State.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed this in a statement issued by its permanent secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
The incident occurred at Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, Abule Egba, where the toddler, whose mother worked as a cleaner in the compound, reportedly fell into the well accidentally.
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, a resident who attempted to save the child descended into the well but became trapped and was unable to climb out.
LASEMA said it received a distress call at 9.48 am and immediately mobilised its response team from the Igando base to the scene.
However, the man was recovered dead, while efforts to locate and retrieve the toddler proved unsuccessful.
“The gallant rescuer who attempted the rescue was recovered deceased,” the statement said.
The agency added that the deceased man’s remains were handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial in accordance with their customs.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the rescue operation involved LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force.
He noted that despite efforts by the emergency responders, the toddler could not be recovered from the well.
He explained that the high volume of water and thick mud at the bottom of the well made the operation difficult.
He said dewatering efforts were also undertaken but encountered operational challenges, leading to the deployment of a specialist local diver for a final search.
The diver reportedly confirmed that the toddler’s body had sunk deep into the mud and could no longer be recovered.
Only one shoe belonging to the child was retrieved during the operation, it was revealed.
The agency said the search was called off following the specialist’s assessment and consultations with the affected family and community leaders.
LASEMA expressed condolences to the deceased man’s family and the Hausa community, describing his attempt to save the toddler as an act of uncommon bravery.
The agency urged residents to ensure that wells and other openings in residential compounds were properly covered, raised and secured, particularly in homes where young children live.
It also cautioned residents against undertaking dangerous rescue attempts without the necessary expertise, warning that such actions could lead to additional casualties.
