Sad News: Acid attack: Victim yet to use nose, mouth

A student of Enugu State College of Education, Chika Egbo, who was allegedly bathed with acid by her estranged fiancee in Ikotun, Lagos State, has yet to regain use of her nose and mouth, PUNCH Metro has learnt.

When our correspondent visited the Burn Unit of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, where she is receiving treatment on Tuesday, she was still breathing and being fed through tubes.

Tubes were passed through her neck for these purposes.

But doctors could not comment on her issue, citing doctor-patient confidentiality.

Our correspondent learnt that doctors were running some more tests on her on Tuesday.

Chika has so far undergone two surgeries to remove the tissue, which was burnt by the acid poured on her.

Her father, Matthew, said on Thursday that about N500, 000 had been expended on treatment so far.

He said, “The doctors are focusing on her nose, eyes and mouth for now. She has not been able to use any of these.

“The suspect’s (David Sulaimon) family has been contributing financially towards Chika’s treatment as well.”

Our correspondent learnt that the suspect’s family had expressed anger that PUNCH Metro last report suggested that only Chika’s relatives had been responsible for her treatment.

The victim’s father had expressed fear that it might get to a stage when resources would dry up, thereby halting Chika’s treatment.

“We get bills for tests, drugs and other treatments almost on a daily basis. I don’t know what will happen to my daughter if we cannot provide money to continue her treatment anymore. I really fear for her life,” Matthew said.

Chika had on November 5, travelled to visit Sulaimon’s mother without informing her parents.

It was learnt that Sulaimon only lured Chika to Lagos under the pretext that his mother wanted to see her.

He allegedly poured the acid on her in the presence of an okada rider, who conveyed them. The rider also sustained acid burns from the assault.

Sulaimon was charged with attempted murder but was granted bail by Magistrate O Olatunji of an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.