The Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Bayelsa State, Comrade Bekinwari David-West, has called on security agencies to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the abandonment of newborn babies at refuse dumps in Yenagoa.
David-West made the call following the discovery of a dead newborn baby at a refuse dump beside the Tombia Bridge area of Yenagoa, describing the incident as disturbing, inhumane and unacceptable.
Speaking during a press review programme on Golden FM, the CLO chairman expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of newborn babies being abandoned at waste disposal sites across the state.
According to him, he was in the Tombia Road axis when his attention was drawn to the shocking sight of the abandoned infant.
“I was deeply saddened by what I saw. It is heartbreaking that innocent babies are being dumped like refuse. This trend must stop,” he said.
David-West condemned the actions of those responsible, noting that there is no justification for abandoning a child under any circumstance.
“If people are not ready to have children, they should refrain from acts that could result in pregnancy rather than bringing innocent babies into the world and abandoning them to die,” he stated.
The rights activist urged security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the latest incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
He further noted that the area where the baby was dumped is covered by surveillance cameras, expressing optimism that the footage could assist investigators in identifying the perpetrators.
“There are security cameras around the Tombia Roundabout and the bridgehead. The authorities should immediately review the footage and track down those behind this cruel act,” David-West said.
He also appealed to the Bayelsa State Government, law enforcement agencies and relevant child protection organisations to strengthen public awareness campaigns on responsible parenting and available support services for pregnant women facing challenges.
According to him, tackling the problem requires both enforcement of the law and increased public education.
David-West called on residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving infants to security agencies, stressing that every child deserves protection and the opportunity to live.
The CLO chairman warned that failure to address the recurring incidents could encourage further cases of child abandonment, urging the relevant authorities to act swiftly to checkmate the growing trend in the state.
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