A nine-day-old baby was among four children rescued alongside their mothers from an illegal dumpsite in Agboju, Lagos State.
Officials of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI, discovered the four nursing mothers and their babies during an enforcement operation along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Monday, August 10.
The operation was part of ongoing efforts to clear illegal dumpsites, shanties and other environmental hazards along the major road.
The rescued women, aged between 20 and 25, were identified as Fareedat Muyideen, 23, from Kwara State; Ayomide Ayomoke, 25, from Ondo State; Amanda Oziema Abalihi, 20, from Anambra State; and Chisom Ugo, 24, from Imo State.
Their children included a two-year-old, a 10-month-old, an 11-month-old and a newborn who was reportedly only nine days old.
LAGESC Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (retd.), said the women and children were found living in extremely poor and unsafe conditions around the dumpsite and nearby shanties.
According to him, officials immediately moved the group to safety and arranged medical attention after concerns were raised about their health and welfare.
The women and their children are expected to either be reunited with their families or referred to relevant government welfare agencies for further assistance, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Cole also appealed to relatives who may be searching for any of the rescued women to contact the appropriate authorities.
He urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the welfare of young people, particularly those who may leave home because of alleged maltreatment.
The Corps Marshal warned that parents or guardians found responsible for child abuse or neglect could face prosecution under Lagos State laws.
The rescue highlights the difficult living conditions faced by vulnerable families as Lagos authorities intensify efforts to remove illegal dumpsites and shanties from major roads and other environmentally unsafe locations.#newsafro_
