Pastor Ademola Amusan, a well-known cleric and founder of Agbala Gabriel Ministry, has rescued an elderly widow living in a cage with her two daughters in the Egbeda area of Ibadan.
The shocking discovery was made public through a live video shared on the pastor’s Facebook page, Agbala Gabriel Global, on Saturday.
The widow, identified as Mrs. Oriyomi, had been living in these dire conditions for approximately six years. Her husband, who passed away a few months ago, had brought her to the area where they initially lived in a makeshift wooden structure.
“I can’t hear such a report and not come over,” Pastor Amusan stated in the video. His commitment to helping the widow was spurred by an elderly female church member who discovered Mrs. Oriyomi while out evangelizing in the neighborhood.
In the video, Pastor Amusan urged onlookers to verify the widow’s claims. This transparency reflects his dedication to addressing social issues directly.
Mrs. Oriyomi shared her story, revealing the tragic circumstances that led to her living in a bed bug-infested cage. She explained, “My husband brought me here. I have been living like this since he died.”
Neighbors confirmed her situation, describing her as a peace-loving woman who had given birth to seven children, two of whom have died. Among her surviving children is her visually impaired daughter and a 30-year-old named Damilola. Damilola, who had once been married, returned to her mother due to maltreatment by her estranged husband.
When asked how they managed to survive, Mrs. Oriyomi revealed her struggles. “I sell herbs from leaves and roots, and I beg for food,” she said. “Today, I made N500.” This grim reality highlights the challenges many face in similar situations.
Moved by her plight, Pastor Amusan pledged to help Mrs. Oriyomi and her daughters. “You will not sleep in this cage anymore,” he declared. He promised to rent a house for them within 24 hours, offering them a safe place to live.
“I want to sell cold drinks and water,” Mrs. Oriyomi told the pastor, expressing her desire for a better future. Her daughter also shared her hopes, saying she wanted to learn hairdressing.
In a show of compassion, Pastor Amusan vowed to provide Mrs. Oriyomi with a shop, a freezer, and a generator to kickstart her new business. He also promised to supply the necessary items to help her rebuild her life.
This rescue has sparked conversations about social welfare in Nigeria, where many individuals and families face extreme hardships. Pastor Amusan’s actions have highlighted the need for community support and intervention.
As Mrs. Oriyomi prepares to leave her cage behind, her dreams of a better life are now within reach. With the pastor’s support, she and her daughters can start anew.
“Every life matters, and together we can make a difference,” Pastor Amusan concluded in his video. His words serve as a call to action for everyone to look out for the less fortunate and lend a helping hand.
