A 45-year-old Kano man has died after entering an abandoned well converted into a refuse pit in his community in Kwa Town, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State, in an attempt to retrieve a mobile phone that had fallen inside the deep hole.
The victim, identified as Yusuf Usman, became trapped inside the well and was unable to climb back to safety after descending into the confined space.
Although rescue personnel of the Kano State Fire Service brought him out of the well unconscious, efforts to save his life were unsuccessful.
According to the Fire Service, a distress call concerning the incident was received at about 11:13 a.m., prompting the immediate deployment of firefighters from the state headquarters to the scene.
“The victim entered the well in an attempt to retrieve a mobile phone that had fallen inside but was unable to climb out,” the Fire Service said.
“He was later confirmed dead due to oxygen depletion and heat inside the well,” the statement added.
Following the incident, the Kano State Fire Service urged residents to exercise caution around wells, pits and other enclosed spaces that may pose serious safety risks.
The agency also advised members of the public to avoid entering confined spaces without proper safety measures or professional assistance, warning that such actions could lead to fatal consequences.
Furthermore, the service called on community leaders, parents and guardians to ensure that abandoned wells are properly covered or filled to prevent similar tragedies.