12/08/2026
Nine-Day-Old Baby Among Four Children Rescued from Lagos Dumpsite
A nine-day-old baby was among four children rescued alongside their nursing mothers from an illegal dumpsite at Agboju, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, by the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI.
The rescue was carried out on Monday during an ongoing inter-agency cleanup operation along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway corridor. The exercise is aimed at clearing illegal dumpsites, shanties and other environmental infractions along the busy route.
According to a statement shared by LAGESC on Tuesday, operatives were shocked to discover four young mothers living with their babies in what the agency described as inhumane conditions at the dumpsite.
The Corps Marshal of LAGESC, Olaniyi Cole, said the discovery raised serious concerns about the health and safety of the mothers and their children.
One of the rescued children, a nine-day-old baby, was found living in an environment characterised by accumulated waste, poor air quality and inadequate access to basic necessities.
Four Children Rescued
The rescued mothers and their children were identified as:
- 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.
- Chisom Ugo, 24, from Imo State, with her 11-month-old child.
LAGESC said the mothers and their children were rescued because of concerns over their health and safety.
Following the intervention, the women and children were taken for medical attention while authorities began efforts to determine the appropriate welfare arrangements for them.
LAGESC Seeks Families of Rescued Mothers
Cole appealed to relatives who may be searching for the women to contact the relevant authorities.
He said LAGESC was also working with relevant government and humanitarian agencies to ensure the rehabilitation and reintegration of the mothers and their children.
The agency said the women could either be reunited with their families or referred to appropriate welfare authorities, depending on the outcome of the intervention.
Rescue Highlights Wider Welfare Concerns
The discovery of the mothers and babies has highlighted the difficult circumstances faced by vulnerable families living in informal settlements and other unsafe environments.
Cole urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the welfare of children, noting that some young people could end up on the streets as a result of alleged maltreatment at home.
He reiterated the Lagos State Government's position against child abuse and neglect, warning that parents and guardians found culpable could face prosecution.
The rescue took place as the ongoing cleanup of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway continues, with authorities working to remove illegal dumpsites, shanties and other environmental violations along the corridor.
Beyond the environmental concerns, the discovery of a nine-day-old baby and three other children living in such conditions has added a significant humanitarian dimension to the ongoing sanitation operation.
