Tragic Well Incidents Claim Two Lives in Oyo State
The Oyo State Fire Service has reported the recovery of two corpses from separate well-related incidents, highlighting grave safety concerns in the state. In a distressing turn of events, a 45-year-old man lost his life while attempting to rescue a goat from a deep well in Saki West Local Government Area. Simultaneously, the service recovered the body of a 30-year-old man, identified as Shina Adedeji, from another well in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area.
Details of the Saki Incident
According to Moroof Akinwande, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reforms and Chairman of the state Fire Service, the agency received a distress call at exactly 10:23 pm on Monday through a running caller and Yusuf Ismail. The report indicated that someone had fallen into a well at the Mokola area of Saki. Fire officers, led by PFS II Kolade Taiwo, promptly mobilized and responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered that a man of about 45 years was trapped inside a deep well.
The officers quickly swung into action, secured the area with necessary equipment, and successfully recovered the man from the well. Tragically, the incident occurred when the man willingly entered the well in an attempt to rescue a goat, during which he became trapped and ultimately met his death.
Ogbomoso Well Tragedy
In a separate incident, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at exactly 9:45 am, the fire service was summoned to a rescue operation by a running caller and CFM Adeleke at the Aaje Ikose area of Ogbomoso. Firemen, led by CFM Oladejo, promptly moved to the scene. On arrival, it was discovered that a man of about 30 years old, named Shina Adedeji, had fallen into a well and was recovered by officers of the agency.
The casualty was trapped in the well, which contained ammonia gas, while attempting to retrieve a fetcher. This hazardous environment likely contributed to the fatal outcome, underscoring the dangers associated with such confined spaces.
Official Statement and Safety Warning
Moroof Akinwande disclosed these incidents in a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. He emphasized the importance of public safety in daily activities, noting that life has no duplicate. The chairman warned members of the public to always prioritize their safety, especially when engaging in risky endeavors like well rescues or retrievals.
These tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the potential hazards in rural and urban settings, where wells and other deep structures can pose significant risks. The Oyo State Fire Service's swift response highlights their commitment to emergency services, but the outcomes underscore the need for increased public awareness and precautionary measures.
