4 hours ago
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By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has concluded rescue operations at a domestic well in Abule-Egba, where a two-year-old toddler and a man who attempted to rescue the child died.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at No. 4, Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, Abule-Egba, according to the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu.
Oke-Osanyintolu, in a statement, said LASEMA received a distress call at 9:48 a.m. and immediately activated its emergency response plan, deploying a response team from its Igando base.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the toddler, whose mother worked as a cleaner in the compound, had accidentally fallen into the well.
A man from the Hausa community residing in the area reportedly descended into the well in an attempt to save the child but became trapped and was unable to climb out.
On arrival, LASEMA responders found residents making efforts to rescue both victims. The agency subsequently coordinated operations with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force.
Despite sustained efforts under difficult conditions, the man was recovered dead. His remains were placed in a body bag and handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial in accordance with their customs.
Oke-Osanyintolu commiserated with the deceased’s family and community, describing his attempt to save the toddler as an act of exceptional bravery.
Efforts to recover the child were complicated by the well’s high water level and thick mud at the bottom. The rescue teams attempted to drain the well, but operational challenges hampered the process.
A specialist local diver was eventually deployed to conduct a final search. According to the agency, the diver reported that the toddler’s body had sunk deep into the mud and could not be recovered. Only one shoe was retrieved.
Following the specialist’s assessment and consultations with the family and community leaders, the agency said the operation was brought to an end, with all responders returning to their respective bases.
Oke-Osanyintolu urged residents to ensure that wells and other openings within residential compounds are properly covered, raised and secured, particularly in homes where young children live.
He also advised residents against attempting dangerous rescue operations without appropriate equipment and trained personnel, urging them to contact emergency services through the toll-free numbers 767 or 112.
In a separate incident, the agency’s Eagle Response Team from its Cappa base recovered a broken-down articulated truck carrying bags of clothes at Challenge Bus Stop, inward Cappa.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the truck had become immobile due to a damaged propeller, obstructing traffic along the route.
The agency deployed its heavy-duty equipment, Super Metro, to remove the vehicle from the road, restoring normal traffic flow.
He assured Lagos residents that LASEMA remained prepared to respond to emergencies across the state.
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