A 52-year-old man identified as Alaba Ayeni has died after reportedly jumping into a domestic well in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The incident occurred early yesterday near Lamp Bearers Islamic School, along Asa-Dam Road in the state capital. The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed the incident, stating that it responded to a distress call and arrived at the scene at about 8:42 a.m.
A resident of the community, Ambali Raheem, said some children discovered Ayeni inside the well and immediately alerted elders in the neighbourhood.
Raheem added that the incident happened close to the deceased’s residence.
According to the Fire Service, its personnel commenced a recovery operation upon arrival and successfully retrieve Ayeni’s body from the well .
The service said the body was subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Budo-Nuhu Police Station, Bolaji, for further necessary action.
Reacting to the incident, the Chief Fire Officer, Alabi Muhammed, expressed concern over the development and urged residents to properly secure domestic wells and other open water sources in residential areas to prevent accidents.
He also advised parents, guardians and community leaders to ensure that children do not move around unattended near wells, drainage channels and other potentially hazardous areas.