An 84-year-old man was rescued alive on Tuesday after falling into a deep well in the Aboru area of Lagos State, thanks to the quick response of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
The incident happened at No. 35A, Fadeyemi Street, Pipeline area of Aboru, under the Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area. According to officials, the well was about 140 feet deep, making the rescue operation dangerous and challenging.
The Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, confirmed the rescue in a statement made available to journalists. She said the agency received a distress call at about 10:09 a.m. from residents who noticed that the elderly man had fallen into the well.
Immediately after receiving the call, firefighters were mobilised to the scene. Personnel from the Abesan Fire Station were among the first responders. They arrived at the location around 10:20 a.m., barely 11 minutes after the alert was raised.
On arrival, the rescue team discovered that the victim was still alive but trapped deep inside the well. Firefighters then began a careful rescue operation using ropes and other rescue equipment to avoid causing further harm to the elderly man.
Mrs Adeseye explained that preliminary findings raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to her, the well was properly protected and securely covered, which made it unlikely that the man fell in by accident.
“This raised a suspicion of a possible suicide attempt,” she said, adding that investigations would continue to determine what exactly led to the incident.
Despite the depth of the well and the risks involved, the rescue team successfully pulled the octogenarian out alive. After the rescue, he was handed over to his family members, who were advised to seek immediate medical attention for him.
Residents of the area expressed relief and gratitude to the firefighters for their swift response. Some said the quick arrival of the fire service saved the man’s life, noting that any delay could have led to a tragic outcome.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has been increasingly active in emergency response across the state, responding to fire outbreaks, building collapses, road accidents, and water-related incidents. In recent years, the agency has invested in better equipment and training to improve response time and safety during rescue operations.
Mrs Adeseye used the opportunity to remind residents of Lagos State to always use official emergency numbers when faced with emergencies. She said early reporting helps responders arrive on time and increases the chances of saving lives.
“We remain committed to prompt and effective emergency response across Lagos State,” she said. “Members of the public should continue to cooperate with emergency agencies and report incidents through the proper channels.”
She also advised residents to regularly check and secure wells, pits, and other potentially dangerous structures within their homes, especially in areas with elderly people and children.