Nigerian Emergency Systematic Structure Needs Review -By Okanume Precious Mmesoma

The death of Miss Ayomikun Ajibola, a 200 level student of the Department of Linguistics and African languages of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, Osun state, who was certified dead, after falling into a poorly constructed septic tank on Wednesday, 9th February 2022, has sent the entire university community in to a mourning mood.

Eye witnesses in the maintenance hostel where Miss Ayomikun resides testified that the poor lady had spent more than 35 minutes in the septic tank, before she was finally rescued and on getting to the hospital, she was confirmed dead.

The poor and disheartening emergency rescue systemic culture in Nigeria has once again contributed to the death of this innocent student, whose parents laboured hard to finance her education up to the tertiary level – from the quack excavators of the soak away, to the lack of swift response in mobilization to ensure she was brought out of the soak – away on time is frightening.

While steps been taken by the University Management in ensuring that the case is investigated to the finish line is commendable, to avert recurrence of such ugly incident, it will be of high importance for the management to also institute a high – powered committee to be responsible for monitoring, and supervision of the welfare activities of private hostel in order to better protect the life of students.

Research has shown that a lot of lives could have been saved, with tragic situations avoided, provided there existed a good emergency service system in this country – the Ikoyi Osborne building collapse late last year is an example where citizens trapped inside the collapsed building, had to spend between 3 to 6 days before their body is evacuated.

The Akesan market in Oyo state that went ablaze is also a very relatable situation where the fire fighters claimed their vehicles were faulty when they were needed the most. They finally arrived at the scene when the market was almost totally destroyed.

The lack of readiness and vigour to save lives on the side of the “Rescue teams” in Nigeria has also contributed massively to the waste of lives, which could have been obviously avoided if they were professionally trained enough with requisite skills and manpower.

While the Nigeria Fire service act of 2004 placed the Nigerian Fire service directly under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Interior, it is important for the ministry to devise new techniques by initiating new policy regulations in ensuring Nigerians lives are better protected during emergencies. States and federal governments should also prioritize this section within their jurisdictions by providing better welfare for staff of these agencies, and providing adequate equipment and facilities in arming emergency rescue agencies to the teeth in order to promptly respond to distress situations.

Okanume Precious Mmesoma is a student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, Osun – State.