The Rivers State branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has rescued a two-week-old infant who was allegedly abandoned at a shrine in Abua, a community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
FIDA Chairperson Tamunoibuemi Life-George disclosed the rescue on Tuesday, saying the organization received credible information on June 14 that a male infant had been left in front of a local shrine.
The matter was immediately reported to relevant authorities, and the child was rescued with the assistance of the police, she said.
According to Life-George, preliminary findings and interviews with the child’s mother indicated that she had initially left the baby in the care of the child’s father because she lacked the resources to provide basic necessities.
She alleged that the infant’s grandfather later took the child and abandoned him at the shrine during the night.
Upon receiving the report, FIDA intervened to ensure the child’s safety and provide emergency support for both the infant and his mother.
The organization facilitated initial medical assessments at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) and provided emergency living assistance to enable the mother to continue breastfeeding and caring for the child.
Life-George said the baby is currently stable but requires further medical evaluations to ensure his long-term health and well-being.
The case is being managed at RSUTH in Port Harcourt, where medical personnel are conducting additional assessments.
FIDA appealed to individuals, organizations and other stakeholders to provide financial assistance to support the infant’s medical care, clinical evaluations and welfare needs. The organization also requested support for the child’s mother to help her adequately care for the baby.
“The baby is stable, but comprehensive medical evaluations are still required to guarantee his long-term health,” Life-George said.
Efforts to obtain police confirmation were ongoing. Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe said she would contact the Divisional Police Officer handling the matter and provide an update. No further response had been received as of Wednesday afternoon.
Cases of infant abandonment continue to generate concern in parts of Nigeria, with many linked to poverty, inadequate social support systems and family-related challenges. Such incidents have also underscored the role of civil society organizations and community groups in child protection and emergency rescue efforts.
