Man Alleges Authorities Block Adoption of Abandoned Baby He Rescued and Treated
In a distressing turn of events, a man from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has come forward with claims that authorities are now attempting to take away a baby girl he found abandoned, after he and his wife stepped in to care for the child when police initially did nothing. Mr. Okorom Ifeanyi, a local resident, was among those who discovered the infant discarded in a sack within a bush area, sparking a humanitarian effort that has since turned into a bureaucratic struggle.
Discovery and Initial Police Response
Mr. Ifeanyi recounted that upon finding the baby, he immediately visited the nearest police station to report the incident. According to his statement, the police officers did not request that the child be handed over to them at that time, leaving him and his wife to take responsibility. "We took it upon ourselves, me and my wife, admitted the child. We also reported duly to police, and police didn't ask us to hand off," he lamented in an interview with a media outlet.
Care and Medical Treatment
With no intervention from authorities, the couple decided to provide urgent care for the baby. They rushed her to a hospital, where she required intensive medical attention. The child survived three days in an incubator and two days on oxygen, with Mr. Ifeanyi covering the hospital deposit and associated bills out of his own pocket. This act of kindness and financial commitment highlights the couple's dedication to ensuring the infant's survival and well-being during a critical period.
Adoption Process and Government Intervention
After the baby's health stabilized, Mr. Ifeanyi and his wife began exploring the official adoption process, hoping to provide a permanent home for the child. However, they were met with a shocking response from authorities. "Now I wanted to start the process of adopting the child only for them to tell me I can't, it's a govt child," he explained. This declaration has left the couple in a state of confusion and frustration, as they feel their efforts to rescue and nurture the baby are being disregarded by the very systems meant to protect vulnerable children.
Broader Implications and Public Concern
This case raises significant questions about child welfare protocols and the role of law enforcement in such situations. Key issues include:
- The initial lack of action by police when the abandoned baby was reported.
- The financial and emotional burden placed on private citizens who intervene in emergencies.
- The bureaucratic hurdles that can hinder adoption processes, potentially leaving children in limbo.
As the story gains attention, it underscores the need for clearer guidelines and more responsive systems to handle cases of abandoned infants, ensuring that the best interests of the child are prioritized over procedural delays.
The situation remains unresolved, with Mr. Ifeanyi and his wife continuing to advocate for their right to adopt the baby they saved. Their experience serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in child protection and adoption in Nigeria, calling for greater transparency and support from governmental agencies.
