The Ondo State Government has rescued a newborn baby girl allegedly abandoned in a forest in Oboto community, Ondo East Local Government Area, and has renewed its call for women and young girls to embrace family planning to prevent unwanted pregnancies and child abandonment.
The rescue was confirmed by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, following the intervention of local hunters and a community rescue team who discovered the baby around 1 a.m. in the forest.
According to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Bosede Osamaye, the baby was immediately taken to a nearby health facility where she received medical attention before being formally reported to the Ministry through the Director of Child Services, Tofas Mefun.
Osamaye described the incident as “disturbing and inhumane,” stressing that the abandonment of children exposes them to severe danger, trauma, and possible death.
She urged parents, guardians, and young women to take advantage of family planning services available in government hospitals, noting that such services are free and essential for responsible parenting.
“We keep warning our girls and women to put an end to the menace of unwanted pregnancies. Once you know you are sexually active and not ready to properly care for a child, go for family planning,” she said.
The Commissioner also appealed to residents facing difficulties in child care to seek assistance from government-approved homes and non-governmental organisations instead of abandoning children.
She commended the hunters and health workers who rescued the baby, noting that timely intervention prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.
Osamaye further disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa and the First Lady, Esther Aiyedatiwa, have assured that the rescued child will receive proper medical care and welfare support.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to child protection, warning that the state government will not tolerate any act that endangers the lives of children.