Hussaini Ibrahim 
KANO, Nigeria – A three-year-old boy has died after falling into an open well in Kano State, reigniting concerns over child safety and poorly secured water sources in rural communities.
The victim, Abdura’uf Badamasi, fell into the well in Wangara Village, Tofa Local Government Area, on Thursday evening. Emergency responders recover his body the following morning after a distress call alerts the Kano State Fire Service.
According to a statement issued by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Saminu Yusif Abdullahi on Saturday, the emergency call was received at about 7:50 a.m. on Friday from a resident, Dan Asabe Rabiu, who reported the child missing overnight.
“Our officers are informed that the child had been missing since Thursday evening, with strong suspicion that he fell into a well,” Abdullahi says.
A rescue team from the fire service headquarters immediately deploys to the scene. Firefighters descend into the well and retrieve the child unconscious. He is later confirmed dead, despite rescue efforts.
The body is handed over to the Ward Head of Wangara Village in line with established procedures.
The Kano State Fire Service expresses condolences to the bereaved family and warns that uncovered wells continue to pose deadly risks, particularly to young children.
“Open wells are silent killers,” the statement says. “Communities must take responsibility for securing hazardous areas.”
The agency urges residents to properly cover wells, fence off dangerous locations and increase vigilance around children to prevent avoidable tragedies.
Safety advocates say the incident highlights the urgent need for stronger community enforcement of basic safety measures in rural settlements across the state.
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