A newborn baby was found inside a carton placed on a wastebin earlier this morning in Port Harcourt, sparking shock and concern among residents.
According to eyewitnesses, the infant was discovered in the Diobu area of the city by a passerby who noticed movement inside the carton. The baby, believed to be only hours old, was wrapped in a cloth and left exposed on the wastebin. Residents who gathered at the scene said the child appeared alive but weak.
Community members quickly raised the alarm and alerted nearby residents. Some residents took immediate steps to keep the baby warm while waiting for help, while others called on authorities to intervene. The incident drew a crowd, with many expressing anger and sadness over the abandonment of the newborn.
Port Harcourt has seen similar cases of child abandonment in recent years, often linked to stigma, poverty, and lack of access to support services for young mothers. Social workers say such situations are usually a sign of desperation, and that more needs to be done to provide confidential avenues for mothers in distress to seek help without resorting to abandonment.
By mid-morning, local officials and health workers arrived at the scene. The baby was taken to a nearby health facility for medical evaluation and care. Medical staff said the priority was to stabilize the infant and determine its condition after exposure to the elements. Authorities have not released details on the baby’s gender or current health status, citing privacy and ongoing assessment.
Police in Port Harcourt confirmed they have opened an investigation to trace the person or persons responsible for abandoning the child. Officers are reviewing the area and speaking with residents to gather information that could lead to identifying the mother or those involved.
Child protection advocates are using the incident to call for stronger public awareness and support systems for women facing unplanned pregnancies. They point to the need for accessible counseling, maternal health services, and safe surrender options that allow parents to hand over infants to authorities without fear of punishment…See More
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