I Nearly Lost Baby To Flood —Ajegunle Victim
A couple in the flood-ravaged Ajegunle in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, LCDA of Lagos State, Mr. and Mrs. Coker, nearly lost their 13-month old daughter to flood right inside their room.
According to Mrs. Lateefat Coker: “After our room was flooded, we raised our bed and continued to sleep inside the room. But twice, my daughter rolled into the water when we were fast asleep at night. We were lucky to rescue her before she could be swept away.
“After the second incident, her father called me and said, ‘woman, it’s time we move to the relief camp in Agbowa, for we cannot afford to lose this baby to flood.’ I had only one dress on me, when I arrived at ‘Fashola Estate’ about a week ago. My husband later joined us.â€
A food canteen operator in Ajegunle, Mrs. Coker said most affected residents decided to stay in the flooded houses and endure the hardship because landlords threatened to eject them, if they move to the Lagos State government relief camp in Agbowa.
The mother of two said that all the flood victims in the camp being managed by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA were tenants in Ajegunle. She explained that the landlords had unanimously resolved not to move out of their houses.
“All the landlords said they will not leave their houses because if they do, the government will demolish their properties and take over the place,†Mrs. Coker said.
Speaking on life at the camp, she commended Governor Babatunde Fashola for setting up the camp, adding that ”inmates are fairly comfortable.”
Mrs. Coker disclosed further that her husband who works at Ebute-Ipakodo as a wood logger, agreed with her to make Agbowa their new abode.
“We can rent a room around here. If we can get assistance, we are ready to settle down and live in Agbowa,†she told P.M.NEWS.
As at now, 206 men, 278 women, 519 children and 50 officials of LASEMA currently live at the Agbowa camp, making a total of 1,050 people.
—Moyo Fabiyi
Comments