A man lost his life while trying to save a toddler who had fallen into a well in Abule Egba, Lagos State. The well tragedy occurred on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and despite extensive search efforts by emergency responders, the child’s body remains unrecovered.
The toddler, whose mother worked as a cleaner in the compound, accidentally fell into the well. A member of the Hausa community in the area courageously entered the well in an attempt to rescue the child but became trapped and died.
Responding to the Abule Egba well tragedy, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) received a distress call at 9:48 a.m. and immediately deployed its response team from the Igando Base. 
Working alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force, the agencies launched coordinated rescue efforts. The rescue was carried out under difficult conditions caused by the well’s depth and high water level.
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Abule Egba Well Tragedy: Child’s Body Unrecovered
LASEMA confirmed that the deceased rescuer’s remains were recovered. They were handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial according to their customs.
Efforts to retrieve the toddler proved unsuccessful due to the high volume of water and thick mud at the bottom of the well.
Dewatering operations faced significant challenges, leading to the deployment of a specialist local diver for a final search. The diver determined that the child’s body had sunk deep into the mud and could not be retrieved. Only one shoe belonging to the toddler was recovered.
Following an expert assessment and consultations with the family and community leaders, LASEMA announced the conclusion of the operation, with all responders returning to base.
Official Statements
In a statement signed by LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and the Hausa community. He acknowledged the rescuer’s courage in risking his life to save the toddler.
The Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also extended its condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Safety Advice from LASEMA
LASEMA urged residents to ensure that wells and other openings within residential premises are properly covered. He added that wells should be raised and secured, especially in homes where young children live.
The agency further advised residents to contact LASEMA through its toll-free emergency numbers, 767 and 112, rather than attempting dangerous self-rescue operations that could lead to additional casualties.
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