Infant Dumped at Rivers Shrine Rescued by FIDA

The Rivers State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has successfully intervened to save a two-week-old baby boy found deserted at a local shrine in Abua, within the Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State. The Chairperson of FIDA in Rivers State, Tamunoibuemi Life-George, shared details of the rescue operation on Tuesday.

Life-George explained that FIDA received credible intelligence on Sunday, June 14, 2026, about a male infant, merely two weeks old, who had been left at a shrine in the community. She affirmed that the organization promptly acted on the report, securing the child's rescue with the assistance of the Nigeria Police Force. "We immediately escalated the incident and got the child rescued through the support of the police," she stated.

Investigations and conversations with the young mother revealed that she had initially entrusted the baby to his father due to her inability to provide for basic necessities. Subsequently, the infant's paternal grandfather reportedly took the baby and abandoned him at the shrine under the cover of night.

Upon the infant's arrival at the FIDA Legal Centre, accompanied by his mother and concerned community members, Life-George confirmed that FIDA swiftly stepped in to ensure the child's immediate safety and well-being. Emergency measures undertaken by the organization included ensuring the baby's secure placement, arranging initial medical checks at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), and offering urgent living support to the mother to facilitate continued breastfeeding.

While the infant is currently in stable condition, comprehensive medical assessments are still necessary to guarantee his long-term health, according to Life-George. The child's case is presently being managed at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt.

To sustain these vital interventions, the FIDA chairperson emphasized the urgent need for financial contributions. These funds are crucial for covering the prescribed medical costs and clinical evaluations at RSUTH, providing nutritional aid, and offering welfare assistance to the young mother so she can adequately care for her child. Life-George appealed to individuals and organizations with good intentions to support this cause through financial donations for the baby’s medical diagnostics and immediate welfare provisions for both mother and infant.

When approached for comment, the Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, indicated she would contact the Divisional Police Officer for information and revert to our reporter. However, as of Wednesday afternoon when this report was filed, no further communication had been received.

The persistent issue of infant abandonment continues to be a serious concern across various parts of Nigeria, often attributed to factors such as poverty, inadequate social support systems, and family instability. Such distressing incidents also underscore the indispensable role played by community-based organizations and civil society groups in emergency child protection and rescue efforts.