FIDA Rescues Two-Week-Old Infant Abandoned in Rivers Shrine
The International Federation of Women Lawyers, Rivers State branch, has successfully rescued a two-week-old male infant who was abandoned at a local shrine in Abua, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State. The chairperson of FIDA in Rivers State, Tamunoibuemi Life-George, disclosed this on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
According to Life-George, she received information on Sunday, June 14, that a two-week-old male infant had been abandoned in front of a local shrine in the area. “Information from a reliable source got to me on Sunday that a two-week-old male infant has been abandoned in front of a local shrine in Abua,” she said.
She added, “We immediately escalated the incident and got the child rescued through the support of the police. Preliminary findings and interviews of the child's mother indicate that she had left the baby in the home of his father because of non-provision of necessities. Later, the grandfather (the father of the infant's father) took the infant and dumped him in front of a shrine in the middle of the night.”
Immediate Response and Medical Care
Upon receiving the report and ensuring the arrival of the child, mother, and the good Samaritans at their centre, FIDA intervened promptly. “We immediately intervened to ensure the safety and survival of the child. The following immediate relief has been provided: we secured the immediate safety of the infant by providing initial medical assessments at the RSUTH. Provided emergency living support for the young mother to continue breastfeeding.”
The baby is currently stable, but comprehensive medical evaluations are required to ensure his long-term health. The case is being handled at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
This rescue highlights the critical role of FIDA in protecting the rights and welfare of vulnerable children in Rivers State.
