A 37-year-old man was saved on Saturday after being trapped inside a well, following the rapid response of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency.
The incident, which happened in the early hours of January 17, 2026, triggered an emergency operation after the agency received a distress alert at exactly 9:26 a.m. through a running caller and one Alhaji Salmi, who reported that a man had fallen into a well and was stuck.
Firefighters, under the leadership of Principal Fire Superintendent II (PFS II) Kolade Taiwo, were immediately mobilised and dispatched to the scene.
In a statement released by the agency, the rescue team arrived at the location by 9:29 a.m. and promptly commenced operations with the required rescue equipment.
On arrival, the officers evaluated the situation and began a well-coordinated rescue effort to retrieve the victim from the well.
“The fire officers acted promptly and professionally. With the use of specialised rescue equipment, the trapped man was successfully removed from the well,” the agency said.
Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Ayegbokiki Samuel was also present at the scene to oversee the rescue operation.
Eyewitnesses said the man, whose identity was not immediately made known, was rescued alive and conscious after being pulled out of the well, prompting cheers and relief from residents who had gathered at the scene.
A resident said, “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.”
After the successful rescue, the fire tender returned to the station at 9:55 a.m. and remained on standby for additional emergency responsibilities.
Commending the personnel for their swift and professional action, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr Maroof Adebayo Akinwande, described the operation as a strong indication of the agency’s preparedness to safeguard lives and property.
Akinwande advised members of the public to always place safety first and adopt necessary precautions to prevent accidents, especially around open wells and other dangerous locations.
He said, “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.”
The fire chief also emphasised the significance of early emergency reporting, noting that prompt information often determines survival outcomes.
According to him, the agency has continued to strengthen its response capability through sustained training, improved equipment and strategic personnel deployment across the state.
He added, “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.”
Residents in the area applauded the fire service for the timely intervention, describing the rescue as heroic and reassuring.
They urged the government to sustain investments in emergency services to boost operational effectiveness and ensure the safety of residents.
