Woman abandons 11-month-old baby in front of palace in Lagos

An 11-month-old baby who was abandoned by its mother in front of the palace of a traditional ruler in Coker-Ifako in Ifako-Ijaiye local government area of Lagos, has been rescued by the police.

The Baale, Pa Anthony, narrates that he was shocked to wake up to meet many of his subjects in front of his palace and on enquiry, realised that a wicked mother had abandoned a baby there.

He said:

"About 5:30am, some residents gathered at the entrance of my compound after hearing the cry of a baby boy. I went there and saw the child.

Beside the boy were biscuits, cheese balls and a travelling bag containing his clothes. Immediately, I called 767, which is Lagos State Emergency Service number.

After an hour, police officers from Pen Cinema Police Station, Agege, came to pick him."

Residents of the area were beside themselves with excitement and anger at the brazen evil act of the unidentified woman who had the heart to dump her baby when many barren women are praying for a fruit of the womb.

A woman who shed tears while expressing her shock, said:

"Oh God, how can a woman do this to a child she carried for nine months in her womb? I wanted to take the baby and nursed him, but for the intervention of the police."

According to the Baale, the baby boy was handed to the officer in charge of the Human Rights’ Desk of the Lagos Police Command.