Man drowns rescuing toddler trapped in Lagos well

A man has died while trying to rescue a two-year-old child who fell into a well in Abule Egba, Lagos State, as emergency responders were unable to recover the toddler’s body despite hours of search.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said the incident occurred at Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, where the child’s mother reportedly worked as a cleaner in the compound.

According to a statement by LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the man entered the well in an attempt to save the toddler but became trapped and could not climb out.

The agency said it received a distress call at 9:48 am and dispatched its response team from the Igando base to the scene.

The man was later recovered dead, while efforts to locate the child were unsuccessful.

“The gallant rescuer who attempted the rescue was recovered deceased,” the statement said.

LASEMA said the man’s remains were handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial in line with their customs.

The rescue operation involved the agency, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the high volume of water and thick mud at the bottom of the well hampered the search.

He said responders attempted to dewater the well but encountered operational challenges, prompting them to engage a specialist local diver for a final search.

The diver reportedly determined that the toddler’s body had sunk deep into the mud and could not be retrieved. Only one of the child’s shoes was recovered during the operation.

The agency said the search was eventually called off after 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 child as an act of bravery.

It urged residents to ensure that wells and other openings in residential compounds were properly covered and secured, particularly in homes where young children live.

The agency also cautioned residents against attempting dangerous rescues without the necessary training and equipment, warning that such efforts could result in further loss of life.