The Benue State Police Command has recovered a newborn baby allegedly stolen from a hospital in Gboko Local Government Area of the state, with suspects arrested in connection with the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondona, confirmed the recovery to journalists in Makurdi on Thursday, saying the baby was found in the early hours of Wednesday.
According to him, the matter was initially reported at the A Division Police Station in Gboko before being transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Aondona said the baby was currently in police custody and confirmed that arrests had been made, although the exact number of suspects would be disclosed later.
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The baby boy was reportedly born in the early hours of August 11 but was allegedly taken from his mother shortly after delivery.
Sources said the baby initially did not cry after birth, prompting a nurse to intervene and stabilise him. The mother and child were subsequently moved to a ward.
An unidentified woman later allegedly approached the mother, claimed to be a nurse and asked to examine the newborn. The woman reportedly took the baby towards the labour room, while the baby’s grandmother followed but was asked to remain outside.
The child was later discovered missing, while hospital workers reportedly denied knowing the woman.
The incident caused tension at the hospital and prompted the deployment of security operatives.
The mother has since been reunited with her newborn, while police investigations continue.
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