The Edo State Police Command has arrested several staff members of a private hospital following the alleged disappearance of a newborn baby (not real picture), from the facility in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.
The shocking incident, which has sparked concern among residents, is currently under investigation by the police.
Confirming the development in Benin City, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the arrests were made to facilitate a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the baby’s disappearance.
According to her, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Police Headquarters for a comprehensive probe.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that the matter be handled at the State Headquarters to ensure a detailed investigation.
“Some health workers have been taken into custody and are assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries,” Ikoedem stated.
Sources told Daily Post that the incident occurred at a private medical facility located on Omouwadiae Street, off Upper Sakponba Road, in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
It was gathered that the baby’s mother reportedly slipped into a postpartum coma shortly after giving birth.
Trouble allegedly began when she regained consciousness and requested to see her newborn.
According to a source familiar with the matter, hospital staff on duty were unable to account for the baby, prompting the mother to raise an alarm.
“The woman asked to see her child after regaining consciousness, but the baby could not be produced.
“The incident was subsequently reported to the police, leading to the commencement of investigations,” the source disclosed.
Efforts to obtain comments from the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, identified simply as Okungbowa, and a matron who was reportedly on duty at the time of the incident proved unsuccessful.
As of the time of filing this report, the management of the health facility had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Police authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the newborn and to establish accountability where necessary.
Credit: Daily Post except headline
