Residents of Oke Aro, near the Dele Bread area of Akure, Ondo State, were thrown into mourning on Thursday after a nursing mother reportedly died while breastfeeding her baby.
Witnesses said the woman, identified as a yam seller, had earlier exchanged greetings with neighbours before sitting down to feed her child. Moments later, she complained of sudden weakness and fatigue.
“She said she was feeling weak and drank a bottle of Coca-Cola to regain her strength, but she collapsed shortly after,” an eyewitness told The Hope, a state-owned newspaper.
Efforts to Save Her Life Failed
Neighbours who rushed to her aid said she was taken to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel confirmed that she was brought in dead. Reports indicate that the woman died before receiving any form of medical assistance.
Some residents speculated that her death may have been related to malnutrition or exhaustion, as she was said to have been struggling to eat properly in recent days.
Family and Community in Shock
Her husband, a commercial driver, was reportedly away for work when the incident occurred. He was later contacted and informed of the tragedy.
Sympathisers flooded the family’s home, describing the deceased as calm, hardworking, and dedicated to her family. Many residents expressed sadness over the loss, calling for more awareness about maternal health and postnatal care.
Rising Maternal Health Concerns
Health experts have repeatedly warned that malnutrition, stress, and lack of adequate rest contribute to maternal health risks, especially among low-income women in Nigeria.
This tragic event underscores the importance of regular health checkups for nursing mothers and better community support for women balancing motherhood and economic hardship.
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