A newborn infant, merely a day old, was tragically abandoned during a rainy morning on Friday, resulting in the baby’s untimely demise.
The baby’s gender remained unknown as bystanders were unable to determine the circumstances or time of the abandonment.
Speculation arose that the infant had been left at the roadside while rain poured down.
The distressing incident unfolded in the Ikot Ishie community situated in the Calabar Municipality Council.
Concerned residents quickly alerted Elvert Ayambem, the Speaker of the local House of Assembly, who resides nearby.
Despite Ayambem’s prompt response to the distress call, the baby had already passed away by the time he reached the scene.
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Ayambem expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the innocent life and voiced his increasing apprehension regarding the escalating instances of infant abandonment within the city.
He emphasized that children are precious blessings deserving of the opportunity to thrive and grow.
Ayambem called upon the community to unite against such grievous acts and take decisive measures to prevent their recurrence.
He further pledged to institute stricter penalties for individuals engaged in such heartless acts of abandoning infants, aiming to discourage prospective offenders.
The State House of Assembly was considering legislative actions to address the grave issue of baby abandonment.
Ayambem concluded by reminding everyone of the inherent worth of every life, particularly those most vulnerable among us.