My fellow Nigerians, I would like to bring to your attention, a matter which, if we are not careful, could- heaven forbid! - become the norm in Nigeria. I have already started raising awareness to solicit 'help' for the victim concerned, and even notified the Imo State Government and Governor- Ikedi Ohakim himself.
On the morning of Friday the 4th February 2011, neighbours residing in the vicinity of Nnekedi- Old road, in Owerri, Imo state became alarmed by an unusual scene at the residence of No. 5, and broke down the door to find a mother with her three grown up children in an unconscious state. After the intervention of medical personnel and the police, it was discovered that three of them had already died.
Eighteen year old Kasarachi, whom fate decided to keep alive, was rushed to the hospital but has been in a coma since then. Doctors say she was a victim of gas poisoning from generator fumes which had unfortunately killed her mother and her two siblings. The generator had been purchased by the family a day before their untimely death!
With the dedicated attention of doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, Orlu Road in Owerri- Imo state, Kasarachi’s recovery is a sure but slow one. However the medical bill is daunting! It costs Ten Thousand Naira per day to keep her in hospital- not including medication.
Kasarachi’s deceased mother, Stella, was the sole breadwinner of the family, having lost Kasarachi’s father a few years ago.
The Newspaper- 'EXPRESS' in Imo state published a news article about this tragic incident on the 7th Feb., complete with photos of the dead. An attached copy is here for your perusal or can be sent to you via 'givelifeback2kasarachi@gmail.com' if you request again.
I am deeply saddened and disturbed by this incident as the victims were my Aunt and cousins. It is a pity that citizens have to generate their own electricity in a country that is meant to be a rich nation, and in the process, face rapid destruction.
This is not the first time I have heard of generator related deaths of my fellow Nigerians. It's a pity! The rest of the world is better off- thanks to the 50 year old plundering of our humanity, resources and dignity of life including access to basic amenities such as ELECTRICITY, Education, Health care, Housing, Security of Life, and all others.
If citizens begin to die out one by one in this manner, who will be there to make up a state or nation?
I am hoping that the Imo state governor and those in government will be able to use their positions to generate publicity and support for Kasarachi who is an innocent victim. More so to help curb this 'real and growing' threat.
If you would like to help, please contact us via email: givelifeback2kasarachi@gmail.com
Thank you,
Chinwe Azubuike
