Victim of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s demolition exercise at Oworonshoki gives birth in a canoe

A victim of a demolition exercise carried out by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government in a Lagos community, Oworonshoki on Wednesday gave birth in a canoe due to lack of health facilities in the area.

SaharaReporters gathered that the woman was on her way to a hospital in a nearby community for quick medical assistance when she had the baby.

“A demolition victim gave birth to her child inside the canoe due to lack of healthcare facilities around Oworonshoki community,” a source from the community told SaharaReporters.

“This lady delivered yesterday in a canoe when they were taking her to hospital for an operation,” the source added.

This comes barely a day after the residents of the state mourned the death of Mrs Ladi Joshua James, a 33-year-old pregnant woman believed by her family to have died because of the demolition exercise carried out by the state government.

According to her family, Mrs James died due to psychological and emotional stress she underwent after the state government demolished their house.

She died on September 14, 2023, and left behind three children and her husband.

A statement obtained by SaharaReporters from the mourners reads: “Mrs. James was not just a statistic in the face of adversity; she was a mother, a wife, and a woman full of dreams and aspirations. At the time of her passing, she was seven months pregnant, carrying the hope of a new life amid challenging circumstances.

“She leaves behind a legacy of love and care, survived by her loving husband and three young children, aged 8, 4, and 2. Her untimely death due to blood pressure-related issues serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by many in our society.

“Mrs. James' ordeal began when her home was tragically demolished by the State Government. The loss of her family's shelter left them homeless, and she subsequently developed post-traumatic stress syndrome. The immense stress and trauma she endured, compounded by high blood pressure, eventually took her from us.

“As we remember Mrs. Ladi Joshua James, let us not only mourn her passing but also reflect on the urgent need for improved living conditions and support systems for vulnerable citizens affected by such incidents. May her memory inspire positive change and compassion in our society, ensuring that others do not suffer a similar fate. Our thoughts and condolences go out to her grieving family during this difficult time.”

Last Saturday, SaharaReporters reported how a resident of the state mourned his pregnant wife who was allegedly killed due to the illegal demolition exercise.

The man said that his wife died last Friday as a result of high blood pressure following the demolition of their home and destruction of properties.

He added that when their home was demolished by the state government, his pregnant wife developed high blood pressure and died some days later.