Abandoned Newborn Baby Discovered with Pleading Note in Anambra Community
A newborn baby was found abandoned with a handwritten note from the supposed mother at a shop in Umuodu village, Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted immediate action from authorities and residents alike.
Discovery by a Nurse in a Tote Bag
The baby was discovered inside a tote bag by a nurse, Mrs. Mercy Iloanya, when she went to her own shop along Pope John Paul Seminary School Street on Sunday, February 1, 2026. According to Iloanya, she immediately called the attention of a man she saw along the street, who confirmed that the baby was alive before they alerted Mrs. Chika Onyema, who owns the shop where the bag was left.
Heartbreaking Note from the Mother
Mrs. Onyema told Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, that when they opened the bag, they saw a written note accompanying the baby in which the mother appealed to her to help take care of the child. The note, described as emotional and pleading, has raised questions about the circumstances leading to the abandonment, with many speculating on the mother's possible desperation or distress.
Community Response and Police Action
Good Samaritans who gathered to witness the situation quickly contributed baby items, such as clothing and formula, while mostly women gasped in awe as they wondered why someone would do such a thing. The community's mixed reactions of sympathy and shock highlighted the gravity of the incident.
ABS took the baby to Anambra Police B Division, where an entry was made to document the case. Afterwards, at the instance of the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, the child was taken to the Intensive Care Unit at the Mother and Child Department of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, for medical evaluation and care.
Ongoing Investigation and Welfare Concerns
The police have launched an investigation into the abandonment, aiming to identify the mother and understand the motives behind this act. Child welfare officials are also involved to ensure the baby receives proper care and to explore potential adoption or fostering options. This incident underscores broader issues of child abandonment and social support systems in Nigeria, prompting calls for increased awareness and resources for vulnerable mothers.
