By Ali Elias
LAGOS — A brave rescue attempt turned fatal in the Abule Egba, in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), under Alimosho Local Government Area, of Lagos State, after a man lost his life while trying to save a toddler who had fallen into a domestic well.
Despite an extensive search operation by state emergency responders, the child’s body remains unrecovered following the official conclusion of search efforts.
The tragic incident unfolded at No. 4, Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, on Tuesday, October 20, when the toddler—whose mother was working as a cleaner in the compound—accidentally plunged into the well.
A Courageous, Fatal Intervention
In the immediate aftermath of the child’s fall, a member of the local Hausa community jumped into the well in a courageous bid to save the toddler. However, he became trapped beneath the surface and was later pulled out dead by emergency crews.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed that it received a distress call regarding the incident at 9:48 a.m. and swiftly dispatched a response unit from its Igando Base. LASEMA operated in tandem with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a joint operation under hazardous conditions created by high water levels and severe well depth.
Following the retrieval of the deceased volunteer, LASEMA confirmed that his remains were handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial according to Islamic rites and traditional customs.
Severe Mud Hinders Child Recovery
Despite prolonged dewatering operations, emergency personnel were unable to retrieve the toddler due to a massive influx of water and dense mud at the bottom of the shaft.
“Dewatering operations encountered challenges, prompting the deployment of a specialist local diver for a final search,” stated LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu.
After descending into the well, the specialist diver determined that the toddler’s body had sunk deep into the mud layers, making physical retrieval impossible. Rescuers were only able to recover one shoe belonging to the child.
Following expert assessments and formal consultations with the grieving family and local community leaders, LASEMA officially called off the search and recalled all emergency personnel back to base.
State Expresses Grief, Issues Safety Warning
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the Hausa community, praising the fallen volunteer for his immense heroism and selflessness in risking his life to save a child.
The Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also conveyed its official sympathies to everyone impacted by the tragedy.
In the wake of the incident, LASEMA issued a stern advisory to property owners and residents across Lagos State, emphasizing the necessity of keeping domestic wells and open pits securely covered, raised, and locked, especially in environments frequented by young children.
The agency urged members of the public to avoid undertaking high-risk, self-rescue attempts during emergencies and instead contact official response services immediately via the state toll-free lines, 767 or 112.