A 56-year-old man narrowly escaped death after plunging into an 80-foot-deep well in the Ikotun area of Lagos over the weekend.
The incident, which occurred at House 12, Aiyeola Street, off Governor Road near Molad Bus Stop, Ikotun-Igando Local Council Development Area, prompted a swift emergency response.
Personnel from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Ejigbo Station, responded promptly to a distress call and successfully rescued the victim, whose identity was not disclosed.
“Our responders received the emergency call and immediately mobilised to the location. Upon arrival, they found that a male adult, approximately 56 years old, had fallen and was stuck inside an 80-foot well while carrying out work,” said Maria Fadairo, Senior Public Affairs Officer of LSFRS, in a statement issued on Tuesday.
She noted that the well was situated behind a bungalow containing eight rooms, built on a 648-square-metre plot.
“Initial investigation suggests the incident may have been caused by negligence,” she added, crediting the successful rescue to the coordinated efforts of the firefighters.
Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, urged residents to seek professional assistance before undertaking potentially hazardous activities.
“It is vital for residents to notify safety agencies whenever they intend to carry out hazardous operations, especially those involving confined spaces or significant heights,” Adeseye warned.
The Lagos incident closely mirrors an earlier event on June 8 in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a 68-year-old man fell into a well while trying to retrieve his phone at Mobolorunduro Mosque in Molefalafia, Oke-Ado. He too was rescued alive and handed over to his family for medical attention.
In light of these recurring incidents, the LSFRS has reiterated its advice to Lagosians to prioritise safety and avoid undertaking risky tasks without proper precautions or the support of emergency services.
