Day-old baby found in waste bin in Port Harcourt

A newborn baby girl found in a rubbish receptacle in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, has been rescued.

The baby, who had been abandoned by unknown people, was rescued in the early hours of Friday by vigilantes led by Godstime Ihunwo, Chief Security Officer, Nkpolu Oroworukwo Community, Mile 3, Diobu Vigilante.

“Around 3 a.m. this (Friday) morning, while on routine patrol, I discovered a newborn baby, likely less than 6 hours old,” Ihumwo said. The infant and placenta were covered in clothing.

“I rescued the child and immediately called a female nurse for urgent medical attention. Upon inspection by the nurse, the baby was discovered to be female. 

“I called Prince Wiro, a Human Rights Activist who immediately came to my office and accompanied me to the Nkpolu Police Station to make formal entry. 

“I appeal to the Rivers State Government to prevail on contractors in charge of Ikwerre Road street lights to ensure they are always on at night. We have discovered they are switched off some nights”.

Prince Wiro, journalist and Coordinator, Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, who joined in the rescue of the baby admonished young women who give birth to unwanted babies to seek help by approaching relevant government agencies or civil society groups rather than throwing away the baby.