An 11-year-old girl has passed away in Lagos after sudden complications linked to an old surgical condition, leaving her family, neighbours, and community in deep grief.
According to Chiamaka Agoha Victoria, who cared for the child during her final days, the young girl took her last breath on Thursday — right before her eyes — still wearing clothes Chiamaka had gifted her.
The child had previously undergone a major surgery eight years ago after a fatal accident that claimed her right kidney. Doctors recently discovered that scar tissues from that procedure had caused a bowel obstruction.
A Sudden Health Crisis
The symptoms reportedly began on Monday shortly after she completed her school exams. She was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors, after 24 hours, referred her to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) due to the severity of her condition.
However, due to the ongoing strike at LASUTH, she was further referred to a specialist hospital for treatment.
There, she was placed on a nasogastric tube to decompress her stomach while doctors monitored her for improvement. Surgery was scheduled for the following day if her condition did not improve.
“She showed signs of recovery… I was hopeful,” Chiamaka wrote.
But that hope was short-lived. The 11-year-old passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, a day before the planned surgery.
A Childhood Marked by Pain
The young girl had already endured significant hardship in her short life. At just three years old, she survived a tragic accident that led to the loss of her right kidney and required major surgery.
Three years ago, she lost her mother, leaving her father alone to raise her, her 10-year-old sister, and 6-year-old brother. Neighbours, including Chiamaka’s family, stepped in to support the children due to their father’s demanding work schedule.
“She Was More Than a Neighbour”
Chiamaka, who volunteered to stay with the girl throughout her hospitalization, said the experience has left her emotionally drained.
“This year has weighed heavily on me. I feel completely numb… we watched over her, hoping and praying,” she said.
She also shared a final prayer she made shortly before the girl passed:
“God, please don’t let this little girl go through pain again.”
Chiamaka believes her peaceful passing may have been God’s way of ending her suffering.
A Bright Light Gone Too Soon
Describing her as hardworking, cheerful, and always willing to help — even assisting Chiamaka with her product production — she said the 11-year-old was “a bright, gentle, loving soul” who touched everyone around her.
The entire neighbourhood is mourning the painful loss.
Despite the heartbreak, Chiamaka ended her tribute with gratitude:
“Through the tears, through the ache… I still give thanks to God.”
— Written by Chiamaka Agoha Victoria
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