A heartbreaking story unfolds in Osogbo as Abibat Hammed, a deaf woman with an intellectual disability, is held hostage at Osun State University Teaching Hospital over unpaid bills, following the loss of her newborn baby. The community has rallied to support her, but they are struggling to meet the hospital’s demands.
The Nigerian National Association of the Deaf, Osun State chapter, stepped in to help Abibat, covering initial expenses. However, the hospital now requires N51,100 for her release. The association is calling for urgent assistance from the government, civil society, and generous individuals to rescue Abibat from this dire situation.
Omolara Oyebode, the chairperson of the deaf association, highlights the urgency and appeals for financial contributions to settle the outstanding bill before it escalates. The longer Abibat remains in the hospital, the higher the costs, putting her at risk of further exploitation.