A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Ijegun, Lagos, where a woman lost her life after falling into a 170-foot well at a construction site. The tragic accident, which occurred on the evening of Monday, June 30, set off an intense, days-long rescue and recovery effort that gripped the local community.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, they received a distress call around 7:34 p.m. alerting them to the emergency at Abuba Anthony Street, not far from Obalagbe Bus Stop and Fadeko International Hotel. When responders from the Ejigbo Fire Station arrived at the scene, they discovered that the woman had fallen into an uncovered well in front of a one-storey building still under construction.
The building, reportedly housing six two-bedroom flats, is situated on a 648-square-metre plot surrounded by fencing. But the presence of an exposed, dangerously deep well posed a silent and deadly risk—one that ultimately claimed a life.
With the situation proving both technically and emotionally challenging, a multi-agency operation swung into action. For 10 days, emergency teams worked tirelessly. Finally, on Thursday, July 10, the woman’s body was recovered.
Maria Fadairo, spokesperson for the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that the effort involved a wide range of responders—from firefighters to medical personnel and law enforcement. The victim’s remains were respectfully handed over to officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU), while the Lagos State Ambulance Service and Nigeria Police were present to oversee and support the operation.
The Director of the Fire Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, extended heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and appreciate the efforts of all agencies involved,” she said.
Adeseye also used the moment to urge stricter safety measures at construction sites, warning that leaving such a deep well uncovered is not just negligent—it’s deadly.
“A 170-foot uncovered well is a severe hazard that must never be left unsecured,” she added.
The Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti has taken over further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As the Ijegun community mourns this preventable loss, the tragedy serves as a painful reminder that safety should never be an afterthought—especially on sites where lives are at stake.
