4 In Police Net Over Theft Of Day-old-Baby At Ekiti PHC

Four suspects have been arrested by police in Ekiti State in connection with the stealing of a newborn baby at Okeyinmi Primary Healthcare Centre, in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

It was gathered that the baby was delivered by health workers at 8 p.m. on Sunday at the facility close to the popular Bisi Market in the Okeyinmi area of the town.

The newborn, whose sex is yet to be ascertained, was said to have been stolen at the post-natal ward of the health centre by a yet-to-be-identified stranger(s) while her mother was fast asleep.

It was gathered that the nurses on duty noticed the baby’s disappearance when they were about to take care of it on Monday morning.

This development has thrown the health centre staff and market traders into fear and confusion.
When contacted, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, a Superintendent of Police, said the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, has directed the State CID to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure the baby’s recovery.

Abutu added, “Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime and are giving us credible information that will aid the investigation process”

A source close to the facility told our correspondent that the incident should be blamed on the staff’s laxity and the carelessness of the baby’s parents.

The source who preferred anonymity said, “The security of the health centre is not being handled with all seriousness, knowing fully well that the facility is located around a major market.”

As of the time this report was filed, policemen had been deployed and stationed at the facility to maintain law and order.