A newborn baby whose identity and parentage remain unknown has survived after allegedly spending about three days abandoned in a forest near Ashar, Wuese, in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State. The infant, reportedly discovered in a carton close to the Ashar Forest, was said to have been in an extremely critical condition when rescued, with maggots reportedly found around the baby and a foul smell emanating from the carton.
The development was made public on Friday by one Oryongu Jacob Yaji in a Facebook post, which drew attention to the plight of the infant and appealed to people of goodwill to come to the baby’s aid. According to an eyewitness, Mrs. Mbakasev Yisa, she discovered the abandoned newborn in the forest and immediately alerted the police. The police, upon arriving at the scene, reportedly documented the discovery and allowed Mr. Yisa to rush the baby to a medical facility for urgent attention.
The baby’s condition was reportedly so severe that the first clinic approached could not admit the infant. The child was subsequently taken to another hospital, where medical personnel commenced treatment. Mr. Udigi Waya, the Youth Leader in the area, reportedly confirmed that the baby may have spent approximately three days in the abandoned condition. According to him, the baby’s cry whenever the carton was opened was the only apparent sign that the infant was still alive. The survival of the baby, despite the reported circumstances surrounding the abandonment, has been described by those involved in the rescue as remarkable.
Following the discovery, Hon. Gabriel Terumbur Mbaukaan Terumbur visited the scene to personally assess the situation and ascertain the condition of the abandoned child. The newborn is currently receiving treatment at Dooshima Clinic in Wuese, Konshisha LGA, where the baby is reportedly being fed with glucose and NAN infant formula as medical personnel work to stabilise the infant. As of the time of filing this report, no person had come forward to identify or claim the baby.
Moved by the condition of the newborn, Hon. Gabriel Mbaukaan made a financial donation towards the child’s upkeep and appealed to the medical personnel to ensure that the infant receives continuous and effective treatment. The intervention has also triggered an appeal to individuals, humanitarian organisations, community leaders, government agencies and other people of goodwill to support the baby’s treatment and welfare. The circumstances that led to the abandonment of the newborn remain unknown. It is also unclear who the parents or relatives of the baby are, while further efforts are expected to be made to establish the child’s identity and trace the family.
The case has once again raised concerns over the vulnerability of newborns and the need for communities and relevant authorities to remain vigilant and respond promptly to cases of child abandonment. For support and inquiries concerning the baby’s welfare, members of the public may contact Hon. Terkumbur Gabriel Mbaukaan on 07058584946.
