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Day-old Baby Found in Manhole in Port Harcourt

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 25th, 2024.

Day-old Baby Found in Manhole in Port Harcourt

In a tragic incident in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, a day-old baby was found dead in a manhole. The discovery was made by members of the Diobu vigilante group on Tuesday, July 23, on Ekwe Street near Ikwerre Road, Mile 3 Diobu. Initially, a passerby who shared a photo of the scene online questioned whether the baby was still alive, noting the presence of police officers nearby conducting checks.

Mr. Godstime Ihunwo, Chief Security Officer of Nkpolu Orowurokwo with the Diobu vigilante group, confirmed that the baby, a boy, was already deceased when found during their patrol. He recounted, “In the early hours of today, July 23, at about 5 a.m., my team and I were on patrol. On reaching Ikwerre Road/Ekwe Street, Mile 3 Diobu, we discovered a newborn baby dumped in a manhole. Unfortunately, the baby was dead. It was a male. I immediately reported the incident to the Nkpolu Police Division and contacted Prince Wiro, a human rights activist.”

Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, condemned the act, describing it as a severe act of cruelty. He stated, “It is heartbreaking that the infant male was already dead when discovered by the vigilante group. The mother’s actions constitute a crime under Nigerian law.”

Wiro urged residents with any information about the identity of the child’s mother to report to the police to facilitate necessary action.