Lagos rescues four mothers and their babies from dumpsite

The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps, known as KAI, has rescued four nursing mothers and their babies from an illegal dumpsite at Agboju along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Lagos State.

A statement on the agency’s X page on Tuesday said the rescue happened on Monday. This was part of a cleanup effort along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. The goal is to remove illegal dumpsites, shanties, and other environmental problems.

The Corps Marshal of LAGESC, Olaniyi Cole, said the workers were shocked to find young mothers living with their babies in terrible conditions at the dumpsite.

He mentioned that one of the babies saved was just nine days old. That baby had been living in a place full of dirt, bad air, and lacking basic needs.

The women rescued are Fareedat Muyideen, 23, from Kwara State, with her two-year-old child; Ayomide Ayomoke, 25, from Ondo State, with her 10-month-old baby; Amanda Oziema Abalihi, 20, from Anambra State, with her nine-day-old baby; and Chisom Ugo, 24, from Imo State, with her 11-month-old child.

Cole explained that the women and their kids were saved due to worries about their health and safety. He added that they are getting medical care before going back to their families or being referred to the right welfare authorities.

The cleanup of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway has been ongoing for weeks. It aims to get rid of problems on that road. Cole said they were surprised to discover that young nursing mothers were living in such bad conditions in these illegal dumpsites and shanties. That is why they needed to rescue them and provide medical help before reuniting them with their families or welfare authorities.

Cole asked families looking for the women to reach out to the right authorities. He noted that the rescued mothers and babies are currently receiving medical attention.

He also mentioned that LAGESC is working with other government and humanitarian agencies to help rehabilitate and reintegrate the women and their children.

Cole urged parents and guardians to pay more attention to their children’s wellbeing. He pointed out that some young people find themselves on the streets due to mistreatment at home.

He reminded everyone that the Lagos State Government is serious about stopping child abuse and neglect. Parents and guardians found guilty could face legal action.