On Sunday, August 25, the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) arrested 20 people for open defecation in the Ojodu Berger area.
The state’s Environment and Water Resources Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, shared the news on X, saying, “During patrol and monitoring of Ojodu – Berger yesterday (Saturday) night and early hours of today (Sunday), operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps #LAGESCOfficial arrested 20 individuals for committing environmental infractions.”
Earlier in the week, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Gaji Tajudeen, mentioned plans to start prosecuting people who defecate openly, especially along Berger Expressway. He said this enforcement aims to stop the spread of diseases like cholera.
As part of its campaign against open defecation, the ministry visited the area to teach residents about the importance of good sanitation.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports that improper waste disposal and open defecation are making water unsafe and causing cholera outbreaks. As of August 11, there have been 5,951 suspected cholera cases and 176 deaths across 36 states.
Lagos is the hardest hit, with 3,758 cases, making up 63% of the total suspected cases in Nigeria. Bayelsa has 481 cases, Katsina 319, Ebonyi 154, Abia 130, and Zamfara 108 cases.
The NCDC report highlights a 108% increase in suspected cholera cases this year compared to last year. The number of deaths has also risen by 105%.
The NCDC advises people to boil and store water in clean containers before drinking, wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, and use hand sanitizer if soap isn’t available. It’s also important to cook food thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables with safe water.
The public is urged to avoid open defecation and improper waste dumping. Health workers should use gloves and follow safety measures when caring for patients.
