Scene of the incident. Photos: LASEMA
A man (identity undisclosed) has died while attempting to rescue a two-year-old child who fell into a domestic well at Abule Egba, Lagos State.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency disclosed this in a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, on Tuesday, saying the incident occurred at Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, Abule Egba.
Oke-Osanyintolu noted that the toddler, whose mother worked as a cleaner in the compound, accidentally fell into the well, prompting a resident from the community to descend in an attempt to save the child.
He, however, noted that the rescuer became trapped and could not climb out of the well.
The PS stated that the agency received a distress call at 9.48am and immediately deployed its response team from the Igando Base, but the man was found dead.
“The gallant rescuer who attempted the rescue was recovered deceased,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
He added that the man’s remains were handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial in accordance with their customs.
The PS said the agency’s response team, working with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force, commenced coordinated rescue operations after arriving at the scene.
He noted that despite efforts by the emergency responders, the toddler could not be recovered from the well.
The PS attributed the difficulty to the high volume of water and thick mud at the bottom of the well, which hampered the operation.
He added that dewatering efforts were undertaken but encountered operational difficulties, prompting the deployment of a specialist local diver for 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 added.
The PS stated that the operation was concluded following the expert assessment and consultations with the affected family and community leaders.
LASEMA commiserated with the deceased rescuer’s family and the Hausa community, describing his attempt to save the child as an act of uncommon bravery.
The PS also advised residents to ensure that wells and other openings within residential premises were properly covered, raised and secured, particularly in homes where young children lived.
He urged residents to contact emergency responders through the toll-free numbers 767 and 112 rather than attempt dangerous rescue operations that could result in additional casualties.