A man has died while attempting to rescue a two-year-old child who fell inside a well in Abule Egba, Lagos State, while the toddler remains missing.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, disclosed this in a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, on Tuesday.
The incident occurred on Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, after the toddler, whose mother reportedly worked as a cleaner in the compound, accidentally fell into the well.
A male resident reportedly entered the well in an attempt to save the child but became trapped and was unable to climb out.
LASEMA said it received a distress call and deployed a response team from its Igando Base. However, the man was found dead.
“The gallant rescuer who attempted the rescue was recovered deceased,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
His remains were handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial in accordance with their customs.
Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps and the police, subsequently launched a search for the missing toddler.
However, the operation was hampered by the large volume of water and thick mud inside the well. Efforts to drain the water failed to yield the desired result.
According to LASEMA, a specialist local diver was later deployed for a final search but confirmed that the child had sunk deep into the mud and could not be retrieved. Only one shoe belonging to the toddler was recovered.
The agency said the operation was discontinued after consultations with the family and community leaders.
LASEMA commiserated with the deceased man’s family and the Hausa community, describing his attempt to save the child as an act of uncommon bravery.
It also urged residents to properly secure wells and other openings around their homes to prevent similar incidents.
The agency warned against attempting dangerous rescue operations without professional assistance, advising residents to contact emergency responders through 767 or 112 when such incidents occur.
