The Oyo State Fire Service rescued a man trapped in a well in Saki, demonstrating quick response, professionalism, and commitment to public safety.
The Oyo State Fire Service has once again demonstrated its readiness and professionalism by rescuing a 37-year-old man trapped in a well in the Oke-Sebe area of Saki.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 17, 2026, caused panic among residents and prompted an urgent emergency response.
The fire service received a distress call at exactly 9:26 a.m. from a concerned citizen and Alhaji Salmi, who reported that a man had fallen into the well and needed immediate help.
Firefighters, led by Principal Fire Superintendent II (PFS II) Kolade Taiwo, were swiftly mobilised and deployed to the scene with specialised rescue equipment.
According to an official statement from the agency, the team arrived at 9:29 a.m. and immediately assessed the situation.
Officers coordinated a careful and professional rescue operation to safely extract the man from the well. Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Ayegbokiki Samuel was present to supervise the operation and provide guidance.
Eyewitnesses described tense moments as the rescue unfolded.
“We were all afraid when we heard someone had fallen into the well. The fire service arrived very quickly and handled the situation with expertise.
It was a big relief when we saw the man brought out alive,” said one local resident.
The trapped man, whose identity was not immediately disclosed, was conscious and unharmed after being pulled to safety, drawing applause and relief from the crowd.
The successful operation highlighted the Oyo State Fire Service’s capacity to respond to emergencies effectively and efficiently.
After the rescue, the fire tender returned to the station at 9:55 a.m. and remained on standby for further emergency duties, reflecting the agency’s commitment to public safety.
Hon. Dr. Maroof Adebayo Akinwande, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Fire Services Agency, commended the officers for their swift and professional intervention.
He described the operation as a clear demonstration of the agency’s dedication to protecting lives and property.
Dr. Akinwande also advised the public to exercise caution in hazardous areas, such as wells, construction sites, and other risky locations, emphasizing that safety must always come first.
“People must be careful around wells and other dangerous locations. However, whenever there is an emergency, they should not hesitate to contact the fire service immediately. Early reporting can make the difference between life and death,” Dr. Akinwande said.
He also stressed that the Oyo State Fire Service has continued to enhance its emergency response capabilities through staff training, equipment upgrades, and strategic deployment of personnel across the state.
“Our officers are trained to handle rescue operations and other emergencies professionally. We remain committed to saving lives and responding promptly whenever our services are required,” he added.
Residents of Oke-Sebe expressed gratitude for the rescue, describing it as heroic and reassuring.
Many also called on the government to continue investing in fire and emergency services to improve operational efficiency and ensure the safety of citizens throughout the state.
Safety experts noted that incidents like this underscore the importance of public awareness and adherence to safety measures.
Open wells, construction sites, and other hazardous areas can be life-threatening if precautions are ignored. The timely intervention of the Oyo State Fire Service prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.
The rescue has been highlighted as an example in community safety campaigns, demonstrating the importance of quick reporting and professional response.
By acting without delay, the fire service not only saved a life but also reassured the residents of Saki that trained professionals are ready to respond to emergencies at all times.
The local government and fire authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols.
Citizens are advised to report emergencies immediately and to exercise caution near wells, unfinished buildings, and other potentially dangerous areas.
This successful operation reinforces the vital role of the Oyo State Fire Service in protecting lives across the state.
Their proactive approach, combined with community cooperation, ensures that emergencies are managed effectively and residents can feel secure knowing trained professionals are always ready to intervene.
