A 52-year-old man, Alaba Ayeni, has died after jumping into a domestic well in Ilorin, Kwara State, an incident suspected to be a suicide attempt.
The incident occurred beside a popular school near Arikewuyo Street.
Ayeni was said to have jumped into an uncovered well used as a water source for a building under construction.
The Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust.
He said the reason for the man’s action remained unclear, adding that the well was located close to the deceased’s residence.
Adekunle said Ayeni had reportedly greeted some residents while passing through the area shortly before he jumped into the well.
He said nothing suggesting what he intended to do.
He said the man later started shouting after jumping into the well which attracted the attention of children in the area who alerted elders.
The PRO said the Fire Service was contacted about an hour after the incident and mobilised to the scene.
He said firefighters arrived at about 8:42am and commenced a recovery operation, eventually retrieving Ayeni’s body from the well.
His remains were subsequently handed over to the DPO of Budo-Nuhu Police Station, identified as Bolaji, for further necessary action.
Adekunle, however, disclosed that the Fire Service was also searching for the body of another man who reportedly jumped into a river behind the Judges’ Quarters in the Tanke area of Ilorin.
He said the second incident was reported by the man’s family, adding that efforts to locate him had continued for two days without success.
He said the development has raised fresh concerns over the safety of open water sources in residential areas, particularly where wells and waterways are left unsecured.
The Chief Fire Officer, CFS Alabi Muhammed, urged residents to properly cover and secure domestic wells and other open water sources to prevent accidents and loss of lives.
He also advised parents, guardians and community leaders to ensure that children are not allowed to move around unattended near wells, drainage channels and other potentially hazardous areas.
The Kwara State Fire Service commiserated with Ayeni’s family and the affected community, while reiterating its commitment to responding promptly to emergencies and protecting lives and property across the state.