The Rivers State branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) says it rescued a two-week-old baby abandoned at a shrine in Abua, Abua/Odual Local Government Area.
FIDA chairperson Tamunoibuemi Life-George spoke on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. She said she first heard about the case on Sunday, June 14.
“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.
“We immediately escalated the incident and got the child rescued though 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 provisions 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.
“Upon receiving the report and ensuring the arrival of the child, mother and the good samaritans at our Centre, 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 breast feeding.
“While the baby is currently stable, comprehensive medical evaluations are required to ensure his long-term health.
“The case is being handled at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).”
