In a distressing turn of events, residents of Ikot-Ishie in Cross River State were left in shock when they discovered an abandoned newborn baby along Ikot Ishi market. The speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, responded swiftly to the distress call and rushed to the scene, accompanied by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Helen Agan Isamoh.
However, their hopes of rescuing the innocent child were shattered as they found the one-day-old baby devoid of clothing and already deceased, cruelly left on the road. Speaker Elvert Ayambem expressed deep sadness over the tragic turn of events and condemned the heart-wrenching act, calling it “ungodly.”
“This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our society,” emphasized the speaker. He added, with a heavy heart, that “no child deserves such a tragic fate.”
In light of this distressing incident, Speaker Ayambem urged Cross Riverians to remain vigilant, heighten their security consciousness, and report any suspicious activities or crimes to the relevant authorities. He assured the public that his phone lines are always open to distress calls and implored them not to hesitate to reach out to him in any emergency situation.
Furthermore, the Speaker encouraged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to redouble their efforts in ensuring the protection and well-being of vulnerable individuals in society. The plight of those who have no voice should not be overlooked, and it is crucial for the government to take proactive measures to care for them.
Demonstrating his compassionate nature, Speaker Ayambem personally wrapped the deceased baby in the trunk of his car and drove to a police station at State Housing Calabar. He took the necessary steps to officially register the case and handed over the precious, yet tragically short-lived life to the Nigerian Police.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for society to stand up against such atrocities. The abandonment and subsequent death of a newborn baby is a heinous act that must not be tolerated. Let it be an unyielding call to all individuals to actively protect and safeguard the most vulnerable members of our society.
Human life is invaluable, and we owe it to ourselves and future generations to build a safer, more compassionate society. Together, with concerted efforts, we can make a difference and ensure that the tragic fate suffered by this innocent baby becomes an anomaly rather than a stark reality.