Tragedy struck two Kano communities on Wednesday as a toddler and an adult lost their lives in separate well-related accidents, raising fresh concerns about safety around uncovered wells across the state.
In Madobi Local Government Area, a two-year-old boy identified as Sa’idu Ahmad reportedly slipped into an open well in Kwankwaso town during the afternoon, triggering an emergency response from rescue officials.
Confirming the incident, the Kano State Fire Service said it received an alert shortly after midday and immediately deployed a rescue team to the location.
Despite swift intervention, the child was retrieved from the well unconscious.
A spokesperson for the service explained that the victim was subsequently handed over to security operatives at the Madobi Police Division for necessary procedures, adding that circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
However, the toddler’s death was not an isolated case.
Later the same day, another distress call was received from Karofawa Yan Kifi village in Ghari Local Government Area, where a 28-year-old man, Suleiman Sani, had fallen into a well.
According to fire officials, responders at the Ghari Fire Station moved quickly to the scene and recovered the victim. Nevertheless, he was pronounced dead shortly after by his family members.
Following established protocol, the deceased was released to the village head of Karofawa, Alhaji Musa Aliyu, while authorities commenced inquiries into how the incident occurred.
Reacting to the twin tragedies, the Kano State Fire Service expressed sympathy to the affected families and issued a renewed warning to residents.
“These incidents are painful reminders of preventable dangers. Properly covering wells can save lives,” the agency said.
Moreover, safety advocates are urging local communities to take proactive steps to secure open water sources, especially in residential areas, to prevent further loss of life.