Near Tragedy in Ibadan: 68-Year-Old Man Rescued After Falling into Well While Retrieving Phone.

Incident Overview

In a harrowing incident that could have ended in tragedy, Ahmed Olaniyan, a 68-year-old resident of Ibadan, Oyo State, was rescued alive after falling into a deep well while attempting to recover his mobile phone. The event occurred in the early hours of Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Mobolorunduro Mosque, located on Ajeigbe Street, Molefalafia, Oke-Ado.

 Distress Call and Immediate Response

The Oyo State Fire Services received a distress call at exactly 06:10 AM from a concerned individual identified as Mr. Samuel. According to the report, a man had fallen into a well on the mosque premises.

Responding to the emergency, fire personnel led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) Adedeji (Mrs), arrived swiftly at the scene.

Expert Rescue and Survival

Upon arrival, the fire team discovered Mr. Olaniyan trapped deep inside the well. According to Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Fire Services Agency Reform and Chairman, the man had attempted to retrieve his mobile phone without understanding the dangers of entering a well.

“The firemen swiftly swung into action by tying all necessary knots and observing all precautionary measures. The man was rescued alive and handed over to his family for proper care,” Akinwande stated.

Cause of the Incident: Ignorance and Risk Misjudgment

Authorities emphasized that the root cause of the accident was lack of awareness about the risks associated with descending into a confined space like a well without training or safety equipment.

Akinwande warned that entering wells or similar confined environments without professional assistance is extremely dangerous and can lead to fatal consequences.

Public Safety Advisory

The Oyo State Fire Services issued a strong public advisory in the aftermath of the incident:

“People must refrain from attempting dangerous rescues on their own. Whether it’s a phone, a pet, or any personal item, lives should never be traded for property. Always call emergency services,” Akinwande urged.

Local Reactions and Community Concern

Residents of the Molefalafia community expressed both relief and concern over the incident. Some applauded the swift response of emergency services, while others pointed out the need for increased public awareness on safety and emergency protocols.

Final Word: One Life Saved, a Lesson for Many

While Mr. Olaniyan was fortunate to survive, the incident underscores a recurring problem in many Nigerian communities: risk misjudgment in emergency scenarios. With mobile phones becoming indispensable, similar cases of dangerous retrieval attempts have been reported across the country.

This event serves as a reminder that no item is worth risking your life — and that trained professionals exist for a reason.

Reported by WorldWire News – Community Safety & Emergency Response Desk