Lagos records 27,016 emergency cases in 2017

The General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA), MrAdesina Tiamiyu, has said that the agency recorded 27,016 emergency cases in the state from January to June 2017.

In an exclusive interview with City News, Tiamiyu said 11,578 of the cases were due to robbery and civil disturbances, while 2,142 arose from fire cases. The agency picked up a total of 1,111 corpses who died in accidents or by the roadside.

According to him, the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) attended to 7,110 accidents and medical cases, while the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) recorded 3,800 traffic congestion and blockades.

Tiamiyu further said that rape, suicide and social welfare cases, including those affecting the mentally deranged, were 1,275.

He noted that the number of emergency cases recorded in 2017 was reduced, compared to that of the previous year due to massive publicity by the Lagos State government for people to be more safety conscious.

He said, “This year, the number of calamities has been reduced. If we look at the statistics of death in 2017 compared to 2016, it has reduced tremendously. People are more aware. Calls come to our call centres promptly and quickly. I will urge Lagos residents to call the toll-free line anytime there is an emergency, or when they suspect that anything untoward could happen.”

Tiamiyu cautioned people to be more safety conscious in order to reduce emergency situations in 2018.

“When you are driving, don’t drink. Ensure your tyres are in good conditions. Drive within the approved speed limits. In our homes, gas cylinders should be outside the kitchen. Avoid the use of candles; rather use torch lights. Also, avoid keeping fuel at home; rather, fill your generator with the fuel. All these will reduce both road and domestic-related accidents,” he advised.