The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed the deaths of two men who drowned in an open water ditch while pursuing a debtor, alongside a separate incident where two well-drainers were successfully rescued after becoming trapped.

According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, the first incident occurred on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, when the agency received an emergency call at approximately 9:36 a.m.

The caller, identified as Garba Sani, reported a distress situation involving three individuals near a water ditch along the ring road opposite Dorayi Babba. Upon arrival, rescue officials discovered two men—Saifullahi Muhd, 27, and Halifa Abdullahi, 29—both residents of Gwammaja Quarters.

Investigations revealed that the victims had followed a debtor from Kofar Ruwa Market in an attempt to collect outstanding payments. In a desperate bid to escape, the debtor reportedly jumped into a water puddle, prompting the two men to follow.

Both victims were pulled from the water unconscious and immediately rushed to the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed them dead. Their bodies were subsequently handed over to Inspector Halifa Muhammed of the Kuntau Police Division for further investigation.

Earlier the same day, at approximately 6:01 a.m., the Fire Service responded to another emergency—this time involving two well-drainers trapped in a well in Danmaliki Village near Chalawa Filling Station.

The alert came from a Fire Service staff member, SFS Usman Aminu, prompting the immediate dispatch of a rescue team from the Service Headquarters. Upon arrival, rescuers discovered that the workers had descended into the well without proper safety equipment and were suffering from heat exhaustion and oxygen deprivation.

Fortunately, both men were rescued alive and later confirmed to be in stable condition. They were handed over to the Ward Head of Danmaliki, Ali Alkasim.

The Kano State Fire Service has commended the swift response of its personnel while urging residents to exercise extreme caution around open water sources and wells, particularly during the current season when such hazards pose increased risks.

This incident highlights the dangers associated with open water bodies and inadequate safety measures when working in confined spaces such as wells. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of proper safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.