Mother Abandons Sick Child In Imo Catholic Church

A toddler is reported to have been abandoned at the premises of St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Nnarambia Ahiara in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA of Imo State.

Naija News understands that residents of the neighbourhood were alerted by the cry of the baby who is believed to be around two years of age.

Reports made available to newsmen on Thursday revealed that the sick child was abandoned by his mother who left behind a handbag, three baby wears and a wrapper.

The women who discovered the child, quickly notified the church security and consequently the priest in charge of the parish, Rev. Fr. Cajetan Ukachi, quickly called on the community traditional ruler, Eze (Dr.) Pius Onyekwere to contact the divisional police office and the LGA social welfare department.

Fr. Ukachi, while relating the disturbing discovery to the Head of Social Welfare department in the LGA, Mrs. Meg lyiakaimo, stated that the idea of abandoning such a baby with child syndrome (a behavioural or psychological condition that results from the loss or emotional neglect of one or both parents, having a variety of physical and emotional symptoms) is not the lasting solution to such a problem.

He admonished couples with similar cases to be patient, seek appropriate medicare and put their trust in God.

Reacting, Mrs. lyiakaimo said, “the social welfare cares and will ensure the protection of the rights of children of all status and disclosed plans to link up the state welfare department, Owerri for further directives on the motherless home the child would be nurtured.”

The child, who appeared paralyzed and could not talk, sit or walk, apparently due to loss of muscle tone and reflexes, resulting in weakness of arms and legs, was taken in temporary custody by the welfare officer.