FIDA rescues infant abandoned in Rivers shrine

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Rivers State, Nigeria, has successfully rescued a two-week-old male infant who was abandoned at a local shrine in Abua, Abua/Odual Local Government Area.

Tamunoibuemi Life-George, Chairperson of FIDA Rivers State, reported that the organization received information on Sunday, June 14, 2026, about the abandoned baby. The matter was immediately escalated, and with the support of the police, the child was rescued. Preliminary investigations suggest the infant's mother initially left the baby with the father due to a lack of basic necessities. Subsequently, the infant's paternal grandfather allegedly took the baby and abandoned him at the shrine late at night.

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We immediately escalated the incident and got the child rescued through the support of the police.

Upon receiving the report, FIDA intervened to ensure the infant's safety and survival. Emergency measures included securing the child's immediate safety, facilitating initial medical assessments at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, and providing emergency support for the young mother to enable continued breastfeeding. While the baby is currently stable, comprehensive medical evaluations are still necessary to ensure his long-term health.

FIDA is now appealing for urgent financial support to cover the infant's medical costs and clinical evaluations, as well as nutritional support and welfare assistance for the young mother. The organization aims to ensure the mother can adequately care for her child. The state police command stated they would investigate further, but had not provided an update at the time of reporting. Cases of infant abandonment continue to be a concern in parts of Nigeria.

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Later, the grandfather, who is the father of the infant’s father, allegedly took the baby and dumped him in front of a shrine in the middle of the night.