Feb 28 • 08:25 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

I turned to street begging after fire accident — Lagos man

A man from Lagos, whose life changed dramatically after suffering severe burns from a fire, has turned to begging and online support for survival.

Bakare Lukman, a seizure patient from Lagos, Nigeria, has shared a harrowing account of his life-changing experience following a fire accident. After suffering a seizure while cooking with a kerosene stove, he fell into the flames, resulting in severe burns to his hands and abdomen. This tragic incident left him with significant injuries, leading to one of his hands being amputated after extensive medical treatment. His plight paints a stark picture of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals dealing with medical emergencies in Nigeria.

As Bakare recuperated from his injuries, he faced the daunting task of rebuilding his life without the ability to work due to his disability. With no family to support him and mounting financial pressures, he initially sought help by begging at the Central Mosque on Lagos Island. The story highlights the harsh realities of street begging as a desperate measure for survival in urban Nigeria, where many like Bakare struggle to make ends meet.

Bakare's current situation is a poignant reminder of the need for social and health services to support individuals in distress. His calls for assistance through online platforms reflect a growing reliance on digital channels for aid among individuals affected by health crises, and his story serves as a cry for help from many who find themselves in similar predicaments. Without community support and resources, the journey to recovery remains an uphill battle for those in his situation.

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