Gas explosion survivor’s father laments neglect, rising medical costs
Father Appeals for Help after Daughter’s Gas Explosion Injuries
CALABAR, Nigeria — Nearly two months after a gas explosion at a filling station in the Edibe-Edibe area of Calabar South Local Government Area, the father of a seven-year-old survivor is calling for assistance amid rising treatment costs and feelings of abandonment.
Happiness Ekere was severely burned in the March 20 explosion and has been hospitalized at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where medical staff are making efforts to save her life. Her father, Mr. Anietie Ekere, claims that neither the filling station management nor its owner have reached out to the family since the incident.
In an emotional appeal to journalists, Ekere described the immense financial pressure of his daughter’s treatment. He explained that doctors frequently request the family to procure medication and medical supplies from outside the hospital, creating a burden that has become increasingly difficult to bear. As a casual laborer with an irregular income, Ekere stated, “Some days I spend close to N10,000 just on medication alone. That does not even include transportation or feeding. I am only trying my best to keep my daughter alive.”
Happiness has recently undergone surgery, with doctors indicating that another major procedure could exceed N1 million.
Ekere’s distress has been compounded by the death of his 15-year-old son, Solomon, who also suffered injuries in the explosion and died about a week later. “My daughter is still struggling to stand or walk properly,” Ekere said. “I don’t know where the money will come from anymore. I just pray she survives.”
A member of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, a volunteer support group aiding the family, reported that sympathizers have contributed nearly N1 million for medications, tests, and wound management since the explosion. The source, who requested to remain anonymous, noted that many prescribed medications were unavailable at the hospital and had to be sourced from private pharmacies. Some injections priced up to N13,000, while routine wound dressing could run about N15,000.
The volunteer acknowledged that the Cross River State Government had assisted with certain surgical and procedural costs, but most daily expenses are still being borne by volunteers and the family.
Ekere is now appealing to the Cross River State Government, philanthropic individuals, and humanitarian organizations for urgent assistance. “All I want is for my child to live,” he pleaded. “I cannot bear losing another child.”
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) recently distributed food palliatives intended for victims of the gas explosion, although many beneficiaries did not suffer injuries from the incident.
