The Rivers State Branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) has rescued a two-week-old infant who was allegedly abandoned at a local shrine in Abua, in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The organisation disclosed that the incident came to its attention on Sunday through information received from a reliable source, prompting an immediate response in collaboration with security agencies.
According to FIDA Rivers Chairperson Bar. Tamunoibuemi Life George, the infant, a male child, was successfully rescued with the assistance of the police after being found abandoned in front of the shrine.
Preliminary investigations and interviews conducted by the organisation revealed that the child’s young mother had allegedly left the baby in the custody of the infant’s father due to the family’s inability to provide basic necessities required for the child’s care.
Further findings indicated that the child’s grandfather, identified as the father of the infant’s father, subsequently took the baby and allegedly abandoned him in front of the shrine during the night.
Upon receiving the report and ensuring the safe arrival of the infant, the mother and concerned members of the community at its centre, FIDA Rivers said it immediately intervened to safeguard the child’s welfare and survival.
In a statement, the organisation outlined a number of emergency measures already taken to stabilise the situation.
These include securing immediate medical attention for the infant through preliminary health assessments at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), as well as providing emergency support to enable the young mother to continue breastfeeding and caring for her child.
FIDA noted that while the infant is currently in a stable condition, comprehensive medical examinations remain necessary to determine his overall health status and ensure his long-term wellbeing.
The case is presently being managed at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, where further diagnostic evaluations are expected to be conducted.
The organisation, however, expressed concern over the financial implications of the intervention and appealed to members of the public, corporate organisations and philanthropic groups to provide support.
According to FIDA Rivers, funds are urgently required to cover laboratory investigations and other medical procedures prescribed by healthcare professionals at RSUTH.
The organisation also identified nutritional support for the young mother as a priority, stressing that adequate welfare assistance would enable her to continue caring for and feeding the infant.
In addition, FIDA appealed for assistance in providing essential baby items, including clothing, diapers and other infant care products required for the child’s immediate welfare.
Describing the rescue as a humanitarian intervention aimed at protecting the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable children, the organisation called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to contribute towards ensuring the infant receives the care and support he requires.
FIDA Rivers said donations and other forms of assistance would help sustain the ongoing intervention and secure a better future for both the child and his mother.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of women and children across the state and commended the police, community members and other good Samaritans who assisted in the rescue effort.
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