Yomi Adagazu, Director of Child Development in the Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs, has raised alarm over increasing cases of abandoned babies in Lafia, the state capital, and environs.
Mrs. Adagazu expressed concern over the trend in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Tuesday in Lafia.
Mrs. Adagazu expressed concern over the trend in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Tuesday in Lafia.
She noted that three babies were abandoned at different locations in Lafia and environs within the last one month.
“We recall that a day-old baby girl was abandoned along Shendam Road, Lafia on November 1, while another baby boy was dumped at the Bukan-Sidi cemetery the following day.
“The mother of the baby girl, a 17-year-old lady eventually turned herself in to the police and claimed maternity of the child.
“She cited frustration as reasons for her action and had been reunited with the baby while efforts are on to establish the veracity of her claims,” Mrs. Adagazu added.
The director said that the baby boy had been taken to Maimuna Katai Orphanage in the metropolis for proper upkeep.
She described as unfortunate the way girls were abandoning their babies in spite of the fact that these babies were precious gifts from God.
She appealed to members of the public and organisations to assist the orphanages in the state in catering for the children and assured of the ministry’s commitment to the proper upbringing of the orphans.
The official implored parents to closely monitor their children and wards, especially the female ones and properly educate them on sexual issues.
Mrs. Adagazu equally cautioned young girls to guard against peer pressure that could result in early sex, which could jeopardise their future.
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