Abandoned newborn rescued at Plateau mining site

Residents have rescued a newborn baby boy abandoned in an uncompleted building at a mining site in Naraguta community, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

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The baby, who was found with his umbilical cord still attached, was discovered along Ardo Lane after children playing near the building heard his cries and alerted residents, who subsequently contacted security operatives.

The discovery was reportedly made on Sunday morning after the baby’s cries were first heard the previous night.

Lukman Wayas, a resident whose family was alerted to the situation, said he heard a baby crying at about 11 p.m. on Saturday but initially assumed the sound came from a neighbouring household.

He said the children heard the cries again the following morning and alerted his family, prompting them to contact security operatives, who took the baby to a hospital.

Mr Wayas added that he later returned to the scene with a health worker, where they found remnants of the placenta, suggesting that the baby might have been delivered at the location.

The incident has raised concerns among community leaders, who called for an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the abandonment and identify the baby’s mother.

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Yusuf Wayas, chairman of the Elders’ Association for Angwan Rogo, Rimi, Zinaria and Sabon Layi, urged parents to pay closer attention to their families and ensure the protection of vulnerable people in their communities.

He described the incident as serious and called for greater vigilance among residents to prevent similar occurrences.

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Similarly, the Ardo of Yanjin, Aliko Sa’adu, said similar incidents had occurred in the community in the past.

Mr Sa’adu said the matter had been reported to the relevant authorities for investigation, including efforts to identify the baby’s mother and establish the circumstances surrounding the abandonment.

He added that the newborn’s safety and welfare should remain a priority as the investigation continued.

Efforts to obtain the Plateau State Police Command’s reaction were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, could not be reached by telephone on Monday.