18 Babies Abandoned Rescued in Katsina within 4 Months

In the last four months, 18 babies, abandoned by their mothers, have been recovered in Funtua town, Katsina State, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) disclosed.

Alhaji Ibrahim Nasir, Director of Education and Social Services (ESSD), Funtua Local Government Council, told newsmen in Funtua on Wednesday, that some babies were found in dustbins.

”Some of the babies were also thrown into toilets, while some were left in markets, public places and uncompleted buildings in the towns,” he said.

The director, who described the development as pathetic, said that the growing cases of abandoned babies and lunatics were becoming a source of concern to the council, adding that the council was sinking more funds into taking care of the abandoned babies as well as in the evacuation and repatriation of lunatics.

“Just yesterday, (January 23), a newly born baby girl was found in a soak away; people rehabilitated her before they handed the baby to government officials,” Nasir added.

Speaking further, he said that some people had approached the local government for an approval to adopt babies, and explained that the requisite procedures were being worked out before granting the request.

The official commended the District Head of Funtua, Alhaji Sambo Idris, and other traditional leaders whose efforts and contributions had ensured the recovery and survival of the abandoned babies.

The Director also commended the Katsina State government’s commitment and support to psychiatric hospitals, less privileged families, lunatics and orphanage homes, and called for special funds for local government areas with high numbers of such social cases.