Tragedy in Ilorin: Fire Service Recovers Body of 52-Year-Old Man From Domestic Well

The Kwara State Fire Service has recovered the body of a 52-year-old man, identified as Alaba Ayeni, from a domestic well in Ilorin, the state capital, in a tragic incident that has raised fresh concerns about safety around uncovered wells.

The incident occurred near Lamp Bearers Islamic School, off Asa-Dam Road, Ilorin, where the man was found inside a surface well close to his residence. The state Fire Service confirmed the recovery in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle.

According to the Fire Service, its emergency team received a distress call concerning the incident and arrived at the location at about 8:42 a.m. Firefighters subsequently commenced a recovery operation after assessing the situation at the scene.

The operation ended with the successful recovery of Ayeni’s body from the well. The Fire Service said the deceased was formally identified as Alaba Ayeni, aged 52, although the circumstances that led to his presence inside the well had not been established at the time of the report.

Information gathered by the emergency responders indicated that children in the neighbourhood were the first to discover the man inside the well. The children reportedly alerted elders in the area, who subsequently sought assistance, leading to the involvement of the Fire Service.

The Fire Service also noted that the well was located close to the deceased’s residence. However, officials did not state whether Ayeni accidentally fell into the well or how exactly he ended up inside it, leaving the circumstances surrounding the death subject to further investigation.

Following the recovery operation, the body was handed over to the police for the necessary follow-up. The Fire Service said the remains were formally handed over to DPO Bolaji of the Budo-Nuhu Police Station of the Nigeria Police Force.

The incident has once again highlighted the potential danger posed by domestic wells, particularly those that are inadequately covered or secured within residential neighbourhoods. Similar well-related incidents have previously been reported in Ilorin and other parts of Kwara State.

Reacting to the latest tragedy, the Chief Fire Officer, Alabi Muhammed, expressed concern over the death and urged residents to take precautions around domestic wells and other open water sources. He stressed the importance of ensuring that wells located within residential areas are properly covered and secured.

The Chief Fire Officer also urged parents, guardians and community leaders to ensure that children do not move around unattended near wells, drainage channels and other potentially dangerous locations. The Fire Service extended its condolences to Ayeni’s family and the surrounding community while reaffirming its commitment to responding to emergencies and protecting lives and property across Kwara State.