A 52-year-old man, Alaba Ayeni, has died after jumping into a domestic well in Ilorin, Kwara State. The incident occurred beside a popular school near Arikewuyo Street. According to the Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, Ayeni jumped into an uncovered well used as a water source for a building under construction.
The reason for Ayeni's action remained unclear, adding that the well was located close to the deceased's residence. Adekunle said Ayeni had reportedly greeted some residents while passing through the area shortly before he jumped into the well. There was no indication of what he intended to do.
The man later started shouting after jumping into the well, which attracted the attention of children in the area who alerted elders. The Fire Service was contacted about an hour after the incident and mobilized to the scene. Firefighters arrived at about 8:42 am and commenced a recovery operation, eventually retrieving Ayeni's body from the well.
His remains were subsequently handed over to the DPO of Budo-Nuhu Police Station, identified as Bolaji, for further necessary action. Adekunle disclosed that the Fire Service was also searching for the body of another man who reportedly jumped into a river behind the Judges' Quarters in the Tanke area of Ilorin.
The second incident was reported by the man's family, adding that efforts to locate him had continued for two days without success. This development has raised fresh concerns over the safety of open water sources in residential areas, particularly where wells and waterways are left unsecured.
The Chief Fire Officer, CFS Alabi Muhammed, urged residents to properly cover and secure domestic wells and other open water sources to prevent accidents and loss of lives. He also advised parents, guardians, and community leaders to ensure that children are not allowed to move around unattended near wells, drainage channels, and other potentially hazardous areas.
The Kwara State Fire Service commiserated with Ayeni's family and the affected community, while reiterating its commitment to responding promptly to emergencies and protecting lives and property across the state. The service is working to prevent such incidents in the future by raising awareness about the dangers of unsecured water sources.
Key points
- The incident occurred beside a popular school near Arikewuyo Street in Ilorin, Kwara State.
- The Kwara State Fire Service is searching for the body of another man who reportedly jumped into a river behind the Judges' Quarters in the Tanke area of Ilorin.
- The Chief Fire Officer urged residents to properly cover and secure domestic wells and other open water sources to prevent accidents and loss of lives.
