A tragic incident occurred in Abule Egba, Lagos State, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, when a two-year-old child fell into a domestic well. The child's mother, a cleaner in the compound, reported that the toddler accidentally fell into the well. A man from the community attempted to rescue the child but became trapped and died. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) received a distress call at 9:48 a.m. and deployed its response team to the scene.
The rescue operation was challenging due to the well's depth, high water levels, and thick mud at the bottom. LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force participated in the rescue efforts. A specialist local diver was deployed to aid in the search, but the toddler's body could not be recovered. Only one shoe belonging to the child was retrieved during the operation.
According to LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency's response team was quickly deployed to the scene. The rescue operation involved multiple agencies, and despite their best efforts, the toddler remains missing. The incident has been attributed to the lack of proper covering and securing of wells and other openings within residential compounds.
The deceased man's remains were handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial, in accordance with their customs. LASEMA expressed condolences to the bereaved families and commended the man's attempt to save the toddler, describing it as an act of uncommon bravery.
LASEMA urged residents to ensure that wells and other openings within residential compounds are properly covered and secured, particularly in homes where young children live. The agency advised members of the public to contact emergency responders through toll-free numbers 767 or 112, rather than attempting dangerous rescue operations that could lead to further casualties.
The incident occurred at Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, in Abule Egba. The child's mother works as a cleaner in the compound where the incident occurred. The community has been left to mourn the loss of the man who attempted to rescue the toddler.
The Lagos State government, through LASEMA, continues to emphasize the importance of safety measures in residential areas. The agency's efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of uncovered wells and other openings aim to prevent similar incidents in the future. The search for the missing toddler has been concluded, and the focus has shifted to supporting the affected families.
Key points
- A man died attempting to rescue a 2-year-old child who fell into a well in Abule Egba, Lagos.
- The rescue operation was challenging due to the well's depth and conditions.
- LASEMA urges residents to properly cover and secure wells and other openings to prevent similar incidents.
