A Nigerian family living in Plymouth, United Kingdom, has been left homeless after a fire gutted their apartment, with a 10-year-old child sustaining injuries that required hospital treatment.
The incident, which destroyed the family’s residence and personal belongings, has prompted members of the Nigerian community in the UK to launch an appeal for financial and material support.
The plight of the family, identified as the Baloguns, was brought to public attention by a former president of the Nigerian community in the UK, Benjamin Kuti, who disclosed the development in a social media post.
Kuti said the fire consumed virtually all the family’s possessions, including passports, clothing and other vital documents, leaving them in a desperate situation.
According to him, while the injured child is receiving medical care, the couple’s two other children have been accommodated temporarily by friends.
“We received the heartbreaking news that a Nigerian family’s home in Plymouth was completely destroyed by fire. A 10-year-old child is currently in hospital, while the other two children are staying with friends,” Kuti said.
“The family lost everything in the fire, including passports, important documents, clothing and personal belongings. They are now relying entirely on the support of the community because they are not entitled to public funds.”
He urged Nigerians across the UK to rally round the family through donations and the provision of essential items such as clothing and footwear.
“We are calling on members of the Nigerian community to assist with financial donations. Anyone who can provide clothes, shoes and other necessities for the children should also come forward,” he added.
Kuti further appealed to the Nigerian diplomatic mission in London to intervene and provide welfare assistance to the affected family as they struggle to recover from the disaster.
Meanwhile, a fundraising campaign launched on GoFundMe by a family friend identified as Temi said the Baloguns now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives after the tragedy.
“This family has lost their home and many of their possessions. They are now confronted with the challenge of finding stability and starting over after such a devastating loss,” the appeal stated.
The organisers explained that proceeds from the fundraising campaign would be used to secure temporary accommodation, replace essential items and documents, and cater for other immediate needs arising from the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the campaign had raised £1,703 out of its £5,500 target.
