A dramatic rescue operation unfolded in Saki, Oyo State, on Saturday morning as firefighters successfully pulled a 37-year-old man from a well where he had become trapped.
Swift Response Saves Life
The Oyo State Fire Service sprang into action after receiving a distress call at 9:26 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The alert came from a running caller and one Alhaji Salmi, who reported that a man had fallen into a well in the Oke-Sebe area of Saki.
Firefighters, under the leadership of Principal Fire Superintendent II (PFS II) Kolade Taiwo, were immediately mobilised. The rescue team demonstrated remarkable speed, arriving at the scene just three minutes later at 9:29 a.m.
Coordinated Rescue Operation
Upon arrival, the officers quickly assessed the situation and launched a coordinated effort to extract the victim. Using specialised rescue equipment, they worked promptly and professionally to reach the trapped individual.
Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Ayegbokiki Samuel was present to supervise the operation, ensuring all procedures were followed correctly. The team's efficiency paid off when the man, whose identity was not immediately disclosed, was successfully removed from the well.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the victim was found alive and conscious, a sight that drew applause and sighs of relief from gathered residents. One resident shared the community's fear and subsequent relief: "We were all afraid when we heard someone had fallen into the well. The fire service arrived very quickly and handled the situation with expertise. It was a big relief when we saw the man brought out alive."
Officials Commend Response, Urge Public Safety
Following the successful rescue, the fire tender returned to the station by 9:55 a.m., remaining on standby for further emergencies. The operation drew praise from top officials.
The Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr Maroof Adebayo Akinwande, commended the officers for their swift and professional response. He described the operation as a clear demonstration of the agency’s readiness to protect lives and property.
Dr Akinwande used the opportunity to urge the public to always prioritise safety. "Safety should always come first. People must be careful around wells, construction sites and other dangerous locations. However, whenever there is an emergency, they should not hesitate to contact the fire service immediately," he advised.
The fire chief stressed the critical importance of early emergency reporting, noting that timely information often makes the difference between life and death. He highlighted the agency's ongoing efforts to improve capacity through training, equipment upgrades, and strategic personnel deployment across Oyo State.
"Our officers are trained to handle rescue operations and other emergencies professionally. We remain committed to saving lives and responding promptly whenever our services are required," Dr Akinwande added.
Residents of Oke-Sebe praised the fire service's heroic intervention, describing it as reassuring. They called on the government to continue investing in emergency services to enhance operational efficiency and ensure citizen safety.
