The Oyo State Fire Service has reported the recovery of two bodies from separate wells in the state, in incidents that have raised concerns about safety near open wells in residential and semi-urban areas.
The first tragedy occurred on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Mokola, Saki, where a 45-year-old man reportedly fell into a deep well while attempting to rescue a goat that had strayed into the well. The body was recovered by personnel of the Oyo State Fire Service, Saki Command.
Chairman of the Service, Hon. Maroof Akinwande, disclosed the incident in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. He explained that the victim willingly entered the deep well with the aim of saving the trapped animal, but was unable to climb out. “Upon arrival, it was discovered that a man of about 45 years had become trapped inside a deep well. Our officers quickly swung into action and secured the area with the necessary equipment to carry out the recovery operation,” Akinwande said.
The second incident occurred on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Aje Ikose area of Ogbomoso. The body of a man identified as Shina Adedeji, aged about 30 years, was recovered from another well by officers of the Oyo State Fire Service, Ogbomoso zone. Details of how the man fell into the well are still under investigation, but initial reports indicate that he may have accidentally slipped while near the open well.
According to Akinwande, both operations were carried out promptly and professionally by fire service officers, who ensured the safe retrieval of the bodies. He noted that incidents like these highlight the need for increased public awareness regarding the dangers of open wells and unsafe water sources.
Open wells remain a significant hazard in many parts of Oyo State, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas where they are often left uncovered or inadequately protected. These wells, frequently used for domestic water, livestock, and irrigation, pose a constant threat to residents, especially children and young adults.
The tragedies in Saki and Ogbomoso underline this danger. In Saki, the man’s act of rescuing a goat, although well-intentioned, proved fatal. Experts emphasize that people should avoid entering wells and instead seek help from trained emergency responders, like fire service personnel, who have the necessary tools and expertise to conduct safe recoveries.
Hon. Maroof Akinwande praised the quick response of his officers, noting that their timely intervention ensured the recovery of the bodies, preventing further hazards to the community. “Our teams are trained to handle such emergencies, and we continue to encourage residents to contact us immediately in case of accidents near wells or other hazardous locations,” he said.
The Oyo State Fire Service has also advised the public to ensure that all wells on their property are properly covered and marked. They further encouraged community leaders and local government authorities to organize awareness campaigns on the risks of open wells, particularly in areas with a history of similar incidents.
Residents in Saki and Ogbomoso expressed shock and sadness over the incidents. A neighbor in Saki described the 45-year-old victim as a kind man who had tried to save the goat, saying, “It is heartbreaking to see someone lose his life while trying to help an animal. We hope that people will be more careful around open wells.”
In Ogbomoso, relatives of Shina Adedeji mourned his untimely death, urging community members to remain vigilant and avoid dangerous areas around open wells. Local authorities have promised to increase safety inspections and enforce measures to reduce the risk of similar accidents.
Accidents involving open wells are not unique to Oyo State. Across Nigeria, numerous fatalities have been reported every year due to falls into wells, boreholes, and other open water sources. These accidents often occur when people attempt rescues, retrieve objects, or inadvertently slip due to unsafe well structures.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and state fire services have consistently called for better community education and structural improvements, such as covering wells and marking their locations. They have also emphasized that rescue operations should be left to trained personnel to prevent further loss of life.
According to statistics from the Oyo State Fire Service, well-related accidents have been on the rise over the past five years, with rural communities accounting for the majority of cases. Authorities attribute this to a combination of factors, including poorly maintained wells, lack of awareness, and impulsive attempts to save animals or retrieve items from dangerous depths.
In light of the recent incidents, safety experts have recommended several preventive measures for residents:
Covering wells securely: Wells should have strong lids or grates to prevent accidental falls.
Erecting barriers: Fencing or other barriers should surround wells, especially in residential areas.
Community awareness campaigns: Education on the dangers of wells should be conducted regularly.
Avoiding risky rescues: People should never enter wells to rescue animals or retrieve items without professional help.
Prompt reporting: Residents should immediately contact fire services or emergency responders in case of accidents.
Hon. Akinwande reiterated that the Oyo State Fire Service is ready to respond to emergencies and called on residents to cooperate with safety guidelines. “We urge the public to exercise caution and ensure that wells are secure. Our officers are always ready to help in emergencies, and timely reporting can save lives,” he said.