Man dies while retrieving phone from well in Kano

A 45-year-old man, Yusuf Usman, died in Kwa Town, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria, after entering a well to retrieve a fallen mobile phone.

“

Upon arrival, they found a 45-year-old man, Yusuf Usman, trapped inside a well that had been converted into a waste disposal pit. The victim had reportedly entered the well in an attempt to retrieve a mobile phone that had fallen inside but was unable to climb out.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, confirmed by the Kano State Fire Service Public Relations Officer, Saminu Abdullahi. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call. Upon arrival, they found Usman trapped inside the well, which had been converted into a waste disposal pit.

Rescue personnel successfully extracted Usman from the well, but he was unconscious. He was later confirmed dead, with preliminary investigations suggesting oxygen depletion and heat inside the well as the likely causes. The deceased's remains were handed over to the local Ward Head.

“

He was later confirmed dead, reportedly due to oxygen depletion and heat inside the well.

In response to the tragedy, the Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, appealed to residents to prioritize safety around wells and confined spaces. He urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to ensure wells are properly covered and abandoned ones are filled to prevent similar avoidable accidents. The director also cautioned against entering such spaces without adequate safety measures or professional assistance.

“

He urged parents, guardians and community leaders to ensure that wells are properly covered and abandoned wells filled to prevent avoidable tragedies.