Woman Arrested For Asking Her Child To Dump Refuse Into Drainage In Lagos.

A woman has been arrested in Lagos after a video surfaced showing her asking her young child to dump refuse into a drainage channel.

The incident, which happened in one of the busy areas of the state, was captured on camera by a passerby and shared widely on social media. The video sparked outrage as many Nigerians condemned the act and called for authorities to intervene.

What Happened In The Video.

In the viral clip, the woman was seen handing a nylon bag of waste to her child and directing the child to throw it into an open drainage by the roadside. 

The person recording the video confronted her, asking why she would put her child at risk and block the drainage. The woman reportedly said "everybody is doing it" before walking away.

The video was later shared by several environmental and community pages on Instagram, X, and Facebook.

LASEPA And Lagos State Govt React

Following the backlash, officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, and the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, said they were aware of the video.

In a statement, LASEPA confirmed that the woman had been arrested and taken in for questioning. The agency said the act violates the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.

According to LASEPA: "Dumping of refuse into drainage is a criminal offence. It causes flooding, blocks waterways, and puts lives at risk. No one is above the law."

Officials added that the woman will be made to face the law and also undergo environmental education.

Public Reaction

The video generated thousands of comments online.

Many Nigerians praised the person who recorded the video, saying "this is how we hold each other accountable."  

Others expressed anger at the woman for involving her child. One user wrote: "Teaching the child bad habits from small. Very wrong."

Some people also called on the government to provide more waste bins and improve refuse collection in communities to prevent such acts.

Why Dumping Refuse In Drainage Is Dangerous.

Environmental experts say dumping waste in drainages is one of the major causes of flooding in Lagos, especially during the rainy season.

When drainages are blocked, rainwater has nowhere to go. This leads to flooded roads, damaged property, and health hazards like cholera and malaria.

LAWMA has repeatedly urged residents to patronize PSP operators and use designated waste collection points instead of dumping refuse illegally.

Lagos State Law On Waste Disposal

Under the Lagos State Environmental Law, anyone caught dumping refuse in unauthorized places can face fines, community service, or prosecution.

The government has also been carrying out sensitization campaigns in markets and communities to educate people on proper waste disposal.

The arrest sends a strong message that environmental laws will be enforced in Lagos. 

We at DESSY'S BLOG urge residents to dispose of waste properly and to report anyone seen violating environmental laws to LASEPA or LAWMA.

Protecting our environment starts with all of us.

_Disclaimer: This article is based on viral video reports and public statements from LASEPA. DESSY'S BLOG will update this story if more details emerge.