People from different parts of Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, have been coming
to No 9,
Oguntade Street, Shasha area of the state catch a glimpse of a baby allegedly born with a miniature Quran
Though incidents
like these are scientifically impossible, residents of the area say
it is true even though some of them confessed that they did not see the
baby clutching the miniature Quran, the holy book of the Muslims. They
were only told about it.
It took efforts for this reporters to gain access into the one-room apartment of the baby’s parents as a result of the crowd that took over the place.
The mother of the baby, Kabirat Lamidi, a 32-year old hairstylist, said
right from the conception of the baby, she had been sick.
The Ede, Osun State indigene who said she had been married
for 10 years, said she was shocked to discover that few seconds after
the baby was delivered, she pushed out a Quran.
“I have been
hearing about such incidents and I have always insulted people thinking
it could never happen. I believe it is a gift from Allah,” she said
She
said when the baby refused to come out after 11 months, she went for a
scan where it was shown that she had an object in the womb with the
baby.
She
said as a Muslim, she was not even dedicated and did not know how to
pray, expressing surprise that such an incident could happen to her.
The
mother of three said she had always given birth in the hospital but
that on this day, she went into labour so fast that she could not move.
“My advice to people is that they should henceforth watch their mouth. I didn’t believe before now,” she said.
Mrs.
Saudat Olawuwo, a staff nurse with the Shasha Medical Centre who
assisted with the delivery, said she was called by neighbours when the
woman was in labour.
Mrs. Olawuwo with 17 years working experience, said the woman was supposed to put to birth on 16 May, but it did not happen.
“By the time I came the day she was in labour, the baby was already coming out. So I assisted her.
“After that, we were expecting the placenta, but the woman began behaving like one about to run mad. I was so confused.
“The
woman was shouting that she wanted to push again and all of a sudden,
the Quran, wrapped in nylon and stained with blood jumped out.
“Out
of confusion, I ran out and called people who came to see. We also
called a Muslim cleric around the area who came and prayed for the
baby,” she said.
Father of the baby, Luqman Lamidi, said he was in
a drinking bar when he was called and told that his wife had delivered a
baby with a Quran.
He said he did not believe until he came and saw the Quran covered with blood.
“I
arrived home and saw a lot of crowd and could not even enter. In fact, I
am surprised that a drunk like me could produce a child that came into
this world with a Quran,” he said, adding that he had become a changed
person.
Chief Imam of Oguntade, Shasha, Alhai AbdulRafiu Opeloyeru
Oyedokun, said he was the one who tore the nylon from the Quran after
he was called to the place.
“When I came, people were still
doubting if the object was a Quran or not, so I tore the nylon with
blood on it publicly and everyone confirmed it.”
As the yet to be named baby boy lay asleep, this reporter
noticed
that each time the Quran is placed on his chest, he consistently lifted
his hands up and would not drop the hands until the Quran is taken off.
There
was a big controversy in May last year following the alleged birth of a
baby boy said to be clutching a miniature Holy Quran at birth.
The baby was born at a white garment church in Mushin, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.
While
some disputed the claim, others said it was possible. A large crowd
gathered at 1, Sonde Street, Ijeshatedo, Lagos home of the boy’s parents
as news of the birth spread rapidly.
His mother, Mrs. Kikelomo Ilori, 32, a Cosmetologist, told this reporter
that he was born after she had carried the pregnancy for about 10 months.
“When
my baby was delivered holding a Quran in his hand, the nurse said the
Quran should be thrown away. But I insisted my mother must see it before
any action could be taken,” Kikelomo, who is a Christian, further
explained.
Corroborating the story, Senior Rev. Victoria Yetunde
Dada said during the pregnancy, Kikelomo was always coming to her for
prayers and counselling.
“I advised her not to abort the pregnancy
because she might die in the process. Again, I told her the foetus was
sent by God and will be great,” Apostle Mother Dada told this reporter.
Reacting, Medical Director of Bodet Hospital,
Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Bode Tawak said scientifically, it was not possible
for a baby to be born holding a Quran.
“How big is the baby’s hand
to hold the Quran? How big is the Quran? How did the Quran get into her
mother’s womb? I don’t know how a Quran can get into a womb. But there
are things you can’t explain,” Dr. Tawak responded.
He said while the incident cannot be explained medically, in Nigeria many mysterious things happen.
A
Kaduna-based medical practitioner, Dr. Munir Yusuf said from a medical
point of view, it was not possible, but added that depending on the size
of the Quran, it was possible metaphysically.
He explained that if the Quran is small enough to pass through the diameter of the v**ina, with the child, it is possible.
In
the same vein, a herbal medicine practitioner, Chief Dr. Bola
Adegunloye believes nothing is impossible, but said too much importance
must not be placed on the incident.
