Lagos emergency responders praised for saving a baby during a midnight downpour

A resident of Badagry, Muhammad Armayau, has praised the Lagos State emergency response team for its swift intervention that saved the life of his seven-month-old daughter during a medical crisis.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Armayau recounted how his daughter became critically ill in the early hours of the morning amid a heavy downpour, leaving the family stranded without transportation to a hospital.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on Facebook and WhatsApp channel for latest updates

He explained that the family found a lifeline by calling the Lagos State Government’s toll-free emergency number, 112.

“My seven-month-old daughter developed a high fever after battling an elevated temperature for two days. When the thermometer read 38.5°C, panic set in,” Armayau said. “With heavy rain falling and no means of transportation, my wife and I tried to bring the fever down by gently wiping her with a wet towel while waiting for the rain to subside.”

Armayau stated that he called the emergency line at approximately 4:07 a.m. After he explained the situation, an emergency response officer, hearing the baby crying in the background, immediately requested his address and a nearby landmark.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on Facebook and WhatsApp channel for latest updates

“About 20 minutes later, the Lagos Emergency Response Call Centre called back to inform me that an ambulance had already been dispatched,” he recalled. “Because it was still dark, the officer discussed the best way for the ambulance crew to locate us.”

By 5:07 a.m., as the rain subsided, another call confirmed the ambulance was waiting at Checkpoint Bus Stop. The family took a motorcycle to the location, where the medical team was ready to assist.

“After assessing my baby’s condition, the medical personnel recommended taking her to General Hospital, Badagry, since the Primary Health Centre at Ilepo, which is closest to us, does not operate 24 hours,” he added.

Armayau noted that the ambulance was unable to reach his home directly because the Ibiye-Checkpoint-Magbon Road had become impassable due to the heavy rainfall. He described the response as “exceptional,” highlighting that the ambulance had travelled approximately 24 kilometres from the General Hospital to reach them.

Upon arrival at the hospital, his daughter received immediate medical attention. He detailed the costs incurred: ₦2,000 for a new patient file, ₦8,000 for laboratory tests, and about ₦4,000 for medication. “If our Lagos State Health Insurance coverage had still been active, the total cost would have been just ₦1,400,” he noted.

He emphasized that there were no charges for the consultation or the ambulance service, calling the experience a clear example of taxpayer-funded services delivering value to residents. Armayau also commended the cleanliness of General Hospital, Badagry, and the professionalism of its staff.

While praising the state’s services, he urged the Lagos State Government to address several issues, including rehabilitating the Ibiye-Checkpoint-Magbon Road, recruiting more doctors for the hospital, and upgrading the Ilepo Primary Health Centre to a 24-hour facility. He also called for improved electricity and a unified electronic medical records system.

Armayau acknowledged ongoing infrastructure projects in Badagry but stressed that better roads are crucial for faster emergency response times. Comparing the service to that of developed countries, he expressed deep gratitude to the Lagos State Emergency Response Team and frontline health workers for their life-saving dedication.