Victims deliver 6 babies in flood camps in Kogi

Mrs Philomena Victor, who had her baby in a boat, told NAN on Monday that she had to swim along with her mother in the flooded waters in search of help during her labour.

She said her mother assisted to keep her to keep afloat till they were spotted by the rescue team from the Catholic Diocese of Idah who pulled them into the boat.

The woman said that she delivered a baby boy few minutes after in the boat as they were being ferried to Idah.

Another victim from Ibaji, Mrs Grace Egwuche, said that she had her baby on Sept.26 and currently receiving medical help at Holy Trinity hospital owned by the Catholic Church in Idah.

Rev. Fr. Elias Ojoma, the Chairman of the Catholic rescue team for Idah flank, said the diocese provided six vehicles and some boats for the evacuation of the victims.

Ojoma confirmed the team saving the life of Philomena Victor, who was in a critical condition, adding that the entire Ibaji had been submerged with many victims still trapped there.

He said all catholic schools in the area had been converted to camps for the victims, adding that all the registered victims in the diocese camps had been handed over to the State Government.

He called on the State Government to provide camps to accommodate people from Ibaji Local Government who were still being rescued.

Ojoma added that the Ibaji experience was particularly pathetic and required special attention.

Mr David Ogwu, the Liaison Officer 1 for Ibaji Local Government, confirmed the birth of the six babies in the four camps in Sabon-gari area of Idah.

Ogwu added that one of the pregnant women lost her baby before she could be attended to. While calling on people to assist them, he urged the security agencies to beef up security around the camps.

Ogwu said that so far, one motorcycle, money and various household items had been stolen from the people by ``Merciless