Written by Ifeoma Keke

On Wednesday, 20th March, I and Nishola visited the building collapse site at Ita-Faaji, to see if we could meet survivors and/or their dependents, in need of Fair Life Africa’s assistance.  When we got to the site, we couldn’t speak to the victims, because the government was conducting a service of prayer for the departed souls and the place was barricaded with security.

We didn’t have the chance to interview any of the victims, but were told by bystanders that most of the kids are still in the hospital.  The building collapse site has been cleared.  So, we had to proceed to the General hospital to see if we could talk with some of the victims or their parents.  When we got to the hospital, we were not allowed into the wards, as we were told that visitors were not allowed, in except you are a relative and that the patients need their rest.

During the course of hanging around, we met with three of the victims, Olumide, Demola and Abdulkareem and their mothers, who had just been discharged.  We spoke with their mothers and they narrated how they learnt about the collapse and had to hurry to the site.  They were thankful that their children are alive.

We learnt from them that they were visited by the First Lady of Lagos state at the hospital and were given packs of provisions.  That medical care for the victim and parents of the victims who had panic attacks were free, including feeding.  They said they were treated specially and they lacked nothing.

Mrs Mistura Ogunsanwo, mother to Olumide a 5 year old male child and victim of the building collapse, said the First Lady promised free education for the kids who were involved in the accident.  We also learnt from them that some of the victims whose accidents were more complicated were taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja for proper medical attention.

We are happy to see how the government has taken responsibility over this disaster and we look forward to the lessons learned and how they will apply going forward, to keep Nigerians safe.  May God comfort all who have lost loved ones, property and/or livelihood and give rest to the souls of the dearly departed.

Edited by Ufuomaee.