Two well diggers, who were nationals of the Republic of Benin, Avade Clement and Achefon Edua, have reportedly died while working in a well in the Laderin area of Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, in an interview with our correspondent, on Thursday, said the incident happened on Monday.

The victims were said to have been hired by one Akinsaya Ganiyu to work on his well located on his site in the Laderin area before the victims allegedly got stuck.

Odutola added that Ganiyu, realising that those he hired were stuck in the well, went to the Divisional Police Officer in the area to report the incident.

Following the report, the DPO was said to have mobilised his men to the scene of the incident, rescued the victims and taken them to the state hospital in Ijaiye where they were confirmed dead by the doctors on duty.

Odutola said, “On 28/04/24 at about 2230hrs, one Ganiyu Akinsanya reported to the Divisional Police Officer that two labourers hired to work on his site were stuck in a well. Upon receiving the information, the DPO mobilised his men for a rescue mission and they were able to rescue the victims and rushed them to the State Hospital, Ijaiye.

“However, the doctor on duty confirmed them dead at the hospital. Due to the shortage of space at the State Hospital’s morgue, the bodies were taken to a private hospital’s morgue.”

She added that further investigation revealed that the incident was a workplace accident.

The corpses were also said to have been taken to the deceased’s hometown under strict monitoring by the police.

“After careful investigation, it was gathered that it was a workplace hazard. The families of the deceased were contacted and the body was taken to their hometown.

“Ganiyu cooperated with the police during the investigation and showed a high level of responsibility during the investigation,” she concluded. (Excerpted from a report by The PUNCH)

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