A 32-year-old woman has been rescued alive by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service after falling into an uncovered well about 60 feet deep in the Ikorodu area of the state.
The incident occurred at No. 14 Mustapha Bolatiwa Street, off Agric Bus Stop, on Wednesday, and drew a large crowd of shocked residents and passersby, many of whom described the rescue as “a miracle.”
According to eyewitnesses, the woman, whose identity had not yet been confirmed at the time of reporting, was seen near the well shortly before the fall.
“She wandered from a nearby compound and sat on the edge of the well. Before anyone could warn her, she lost balance and fell in,” a resident said.
The fall prompted immediate panic in the area, and a distress call was made to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which swiftly deployed a team to the scene.
Director of the Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, confirmed the incident and praised the rescue team for their fast and professional response.
“Our team responded quickly after receiving the call. The rescue operation was delicate, but we successfully pulled her out alive,” Adeseye said.
She added that the woman was conscious when rescued, though she appeared weak and in shock. She was immediately stabilised and rushed to a nearby hospital for proper medical attention.
“We ensured she received immediate care at the scene before being taken to the hospital,” Adeseye stated.
In the aftermath of the incident, Mrs Adeseye issued a strong warning to residents and property owners to cover all open wells and similar structures, noting that such negligence can lead to tragic accidents.
“This incident could have ended in tragedy. It is important for all wells and dangerous openings to be properly sealed, especially in residential areas,” she said.
Several residents who gathered during the rescue operation thanked the fire service for their efforts and expressed relief that the woman survived.
“We were all scared. That well is very deep. It’s by God’s grace and the firefighters’ efforts that she’s alive,” one neighbour said.
Another witness described the rescue as “tense but impressive,” noting how the firefighters worked carefully to avoid further harm to the victim.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns over unsafe infrastructure in densely populated areas like Ikorodu, where many old buildings still have uncovered wells and other open structures.
