A newborn baby girl, abandoned shortly after birth, has been rescued alive from Ashar forest in Wuese community, Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State. The infant, believed to have spent about three days in the forest, was discovered on Saturday, August 29, 2026, by a resident, Mrs Mbakasev Yisa, who reportedly heard signs of life coming from a carton.
Discovery and Rescue of the Infant
According to Daily Trust, the baby was wrapped in clothes and placed inside the carton. Maggots were allegedly found around her body, and a foul smell was emanating from the carton. Yisa, who discovered the baby, said they immediately reported the discovery to the police outpost in the area. Policemen subsequently visited the scene, documented the incident, and directed that the baby be taken to a medical facility.
A witness, Terkumbur Gabriel Mbaukaan, who confirmed the incident to journalists by telephone in Makurdi on Sunday, said the baby was in critical condition when she was rescued. Mbaukaan, who represents the area as a councillor, said he also visited the scene to assess the situation before joining efforts to secure urgent medical attention for the infant.
Medical Care and Community Response
According to Mbaukaan, the first clinic they approached could not admit the baby because of her critical condition. This prompted them to move her to Dooshima Clinic in Wuese, where she was admitted. The youth leader of Wuese community, Udigi Waya, also confirmed the rescue, saying the baby might have remained abandoned for approximately three days before she was found.
The Benue State Police Command, however, said it had yet to receive an official report on the incident. The baby remains under medical care at Dooshima Clinic, and community members are awaiting further direction from authorities regarding her welfare.
