A 56-year-old man narrowly escaped death after falling into an 80-foot-deep well in the Ikotun area of Lagos over the weekend.
According to The PUNCH, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Ejigbo Station, swiftly responded to a distress call and successfully rescued the man, whose identity remains undisclosed.
The incident occurred at House 12, Aiyeola Street, off Governor Road, near Molad Bus Stop in Ikotun-Igando Local Council Development Area.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Tuesday, the Senior Public Affairs Officer of LSFRS, Maria Fadairo, said the man had been working inside the well when he became trapped.
“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,” Fadairo said.
She explained that the well is located behind a bungalow with eight rooms situated on a 648-square-metre plot.
“Initial investigation suggests the incident may have been caused by negligence,” she added, noting that the rescue was carried out successfully due to the coordinated efforts of the firefighters.
The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, stressed the importance of seeking professional help before engaging in dangerous tasks.
“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.
This incident mirrors a similar occurrence on June 8 in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a 68-year-old man fell into a well while attempting to retrieve his phone at Mobolorunduro Mosque in Molefalafia, Oke-Ado. He was also rescued alive by firefighters and handed over to his family for medical attention.
The LSFRS has advised Lagosians to prioritise safety and avoid undertaking risky jobs without proper precautions or support from emergency services.
