KATSINA — Residents of the NTA area in Katsina have rescued a newborn baby girl who was abandoned by the roadside on Friday night, sparking renewed calls for government intervention to address child abandonment and strengthen social welfare services.
The infant was discovered shortly after the Isha prayer by residents of the community, according to the Chairman of the area’s Security Committee, Muhammad Bello Magaji.
Speaking on the incident, Bello said he received a telephone call informing him that a newborn baby had been found abandoned along a road in the area.
Upon receiving the report, he said he proceeded to the location to verify the situation.
“When I arrived, residents were discussing what should be done. I advised that the matter be reported to the police,” he said.
Bello explained that community members subsequently took the baby to a police station, where the case was formally reported. Police officers reportedly directed them to take the infant to a hospital for medical examination and treatment.
Medical personnel later confirmed that the child was a girl and conducted the necessary health assessments. Following the examination, the baby was placed in temporary care with a woman experienced in looking after abandoned infants pending her transfer to the appropriate social welfare authorities.
According to Bello, the rescue operation involved community volunteers, police procedures, medical examinations and emergency care arrangements, lasting from about 8:15 p.m. until nearly 1:00 a.m.
He commended residents for their prompt response and cooperation, describing their actions as crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of the child.
The community leader, however, expressed concern over what he described as an increasing number of child abandonment cases, urging government authorities to investigate the underlying causes and implement measures to protect vulnerable children.
He also called for stronger social welfare systems, noting that communities are increasingly being compelled to handle responsibilities that require institutional support.
The rescued infant is expected to be formally handed over to social welfare officials for long-term care, protection and rehabilitation.
