Two 18-year-old youths, Sadiq Isyaku and Auwal Isyaku, have drowned after falling into an open water body while attempting to escape from suspected phone snatchers in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Kano State Fire Service Public Relations Officer, Saminu Abdullahi, revealed that the incident occurred on Friday at about 4:04 pm at Ring Road, Kureken Sani.

He said the emergency call was received at the agency’s control room from one Muhd Abba, who reported the incident.

“Upon receiving the call, a rescue team from the service headquarters was immediately mobilised to the scene. On arrival, the team discovered that two 18-year-old youths, Sadiq Isyaku and Auwal Isyaku, had fallen into an open water,” Abdullahi said.

He added that the victims were rescued unconscious but were later confirmed dead.

According to him, their bodies were handed over to their father, Ibrahim Shehu, of Unguwa Uku Quarters.

Preliminary information indicated that the incident occurred while the victims were trying to escape from suspected phone snatchers who were pursuing them.

“In the process of trying to save themselves, they accidentally fell into the pond,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the fire service said it rescued a 40-year-old man who fell into a well in Kano Municipal Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on Monday at about 7:12 pm at Durumin Zungura by Assahabul Khahafi area of Kano city.

Abdullahi said the control room received an emergency call from one Abdullahi Aminu reporting that a man had fallen into a well.

“Our men from the agency’s headquarters were immediately mobilised to the scene. Upon arrival, they found a man of about 40 years old, identified as Shitu Balarabe, who had fallen into the well,” he said.

The spokesman added that the rescue team successfully retrieved the victim alive and handed him over to his brother, Jamilu Balarabe, of Durumin Zungura, Kano city.

The Kano State Fire Service extended its condolences to the families affected by the incidents and urged residents to take precautionary measures to prevent similar tragedies.

The service also advised the public to ensure that children and youths stay away from open water bodies and to construct protective walls and provide metal covers for wells to prevent people and animals from falling in.