A two-week-old baby boy is receiving medical care and fighting for survival after he was allegedly abandoned at a shrine in Abua, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State in a disturbing case that has drawn public outrage and renewed concerns over poverty-driven child abandonment in Nigeria.
The infant, who was discovered alone at the shrine, was rescued through a coordinated intervention involving the police and the Rivers State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), bringing an end to what could have been a tragic fate for the newborn.
Chairperson of FIDA Rivers State, Mrs. Tamunoibuemi Life-George, disclosed that the organisation swung into action after receiving credible information on June 14 that an infant had been abandoned in front of a local shrine in the community.
According to her, the report was immediately escalated, prompting urgent intervention by security agencies and humanitarian responders.
“We immediately escalated the incident and ensured the baby was rescued with the support of the police,” she said.
Preliminary findings by the organisation revealed a troubling family situation behind the incident.
Life-George said information obtained from the child’s mother suggested that severe economic hardship and inability to cater for the baby had forced her to leave the infant with the child’s father.
She further alleged that the baby’s paternal grandfather later took the child and abandoned him at the shrine during the night.
Following the rescue, FIDA moved the infant, the mother and concerned community members involved in the rescue operation to its legal centre before arranging emergency medical attention.
The baby was subsequently taken to the where doctors commenced treatment and health assessments.
Life-George said emergency welfare support was also provided to enable the mother continue breastfeeding the child while medical experts monitor his condition.
Although the infant is said to be stable, she noted that further medical examinations are required to determine any long-term health implications resulting from the abandonment.
“The baby is currently under medical supervision, and we are doing everything possible to ensure both mother and child receive the care they need,” she said.
She appealed to philanthropists, charitable organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to assist with medical expenses, nutritional support and other welfare needs for the vulnerable family.
Meanwhile, spokesperson of the , SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would obtain details from the relevant divisional police authorities and respond accordingly.
The shocking incident has once again highlighted the growing social challenges facing many families across the country, where poverty, unemployment and inadequate social support systems continue to push vulnerable parents into desperate decisions.
Child welfare advocates say the case underscores the urgent need for stronger social protection programmes, community-based support systems and public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing infant abandonment and protecting children from neglect.
For the rescued baby, however, what began as a heartbreaking abandonment story has become a story of survival, compassion and a second chance at life.