According to news published by Vanguard, in Egan Oriomi, Lagos, a mother’s worst nightmare unfolded as she recounted the tragic loss of her 15-month-old baby. Amidst a backdrop of communal violence and political tensions, the family found themselves in the midst of chaos and horror.
The ordeal began with the ominous presence of unfamiliar faces in the community, sparking fear and apprehension among residents. Despite attempts to alert authorities, the impending danger became a grim reality late one fateful night.
As the clock struck 11 p.m., the tranquility of the night shattered with the sound of gunfire, sending shockwaves through the community. The mother, desperate to protect her children, sought refuge indoors, hoping to shield them from harm.
However, the safety of their home quickly turned into a trap as the attackers closed in, unleashing a wave of terror. The walls trembled under the force of their assault, and within moments, flames engulfed the dwelling, filling the air with acrid smoke.
She said,
“By midnight, they started hitting the wall of the room. The next thing I saw was a flame of fire and the smoke covered the entire building. In my confused state, I carried only one of the children and ran out, thinking I would go back to pick up the other child.
“By the time I got outside, I started shouting for help. They prevented everyone from entering the building to save my baby. I kept hearing the cry of my baby until it fainted. The next time I saw my baby, he had been roasted to death.
In a panic-stricken frenzy, the mother fled with one child in her arms, leaving behind her youngest, Emmanuel, asleep in his bed. Outside, amidst the chaos and confusion, she cried out for help, her voice drowned out by the roar of the inferno.
Tragically, her pleas fell on deaf ears as the attackers barred anyone from entering the burning building to rescue the trapped infant. Helpless and distraught, the mother could only listen helplessly as the cries of her baby grew fainter, until they ceased altogether.
