A 68-year-old man, Ahmed Olaniyan, narrowly escaped death on Sunday, June 8, 2025, after falling into a well while trying to retrieve his mobile phone at Mobolorunduro Mosque, located in the Molefalafia area of Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

 

The incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, was confirmed by Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Fire Services Agency Reform and Chairman of the Fire Services Board.

 

According to Akinwande, the distress call was received at 06:10 AM from a resident identified as Mr. Samuel, who reported that someone had fallen into a well at No. 30 Ajeigbe Street, within the mosque premises.

 

“The fire personnel, led by ACFS Adedeji (Mrs), promptly deployed to the scene of the incident. On getting there, it was discovered that a man, about 68 years of age, was trapped inside a deep well while he was trying to recover his lost phone,” the statement read.

 

Firefighters quickly began a rescue operation, carefully tying safety knots and observing all precautionary measures. Thanks to their swift and professional response, Olaniyan was rescued alive and immediately handed over to his family for medical attention.

 

Akinwande blamed the incident on a lack of awareness, noting that many people underestimate the dangers of entering wells without proper equipment or training.

 

“The cause of the incident was ignorance — not knowing the danger associated with entering a well without proper training,” he emphasized.

 

He further urged the public to avoid risky behaviors that could endanger their lives, and commended the Oyo State Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance emergency response services and ensure public safety across the state.

 

The incident serves as a critical reminder about the importance of calling trained professionals in emergencies rather than attempting dangerous recoveries unaided.