A Benue State trader, Mrs. Catherine Ugema, has been joyfully reunited with her nine-month-old son, Tomuter Ugema, several weeks after they were separated in a tragic road accident along the Ugwu Onyeama axis in Enugu State.
The incident occurred on June 23 while Mrs. Ugema, who hails from Taraku in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, was travelling with her baby to Aba, Abia State, to sell foodstuffs. The commercial vehicle they boarded was involved in a crash. Ugema lost consciousness after sustaining injuries, and in the ensuing confusion, her baby disappeared.
The injured infant was rescued by a Good Samaritan and taken to the Children’s Emergency Unit of ESUT Parklane Teaching Hospital in Enugu, where doctors provided urgent medical care, including blood transfusions and surgery. Following coordinated efforts by the Enugu State Government, the wife of the governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, the Custos Care Foundation, the Peter Mbah Foundation, and other partners, the child received comprehensive treatment and welfare support.
After discharge from the hospital, the baby was placed under the care of the Enugu State Management Board for the Protection of State-Owned Social Homes (EMBOPSS) while search efforts continued. Weeks of collaboration involving healthcare workers, social welfare officials, security agencies, and government institutions eventually led to the successful tracing and reunion with his mother.
The emotional reunion took place on Tuesday, July 14, and was attended by the child’s uncle, Gregory Aswa, an officer of the Enugu State Driver’s Rescue Service, and the investigating police officer, Inspector Ugwuanyi Cecelia.
Mrs. Ugema expressed deep gratitude to all those who contributed to saving her son’s life and facilitating the reunion.
