The Kwara State Police Command has launched a discreet investigation into the unexplained disappearance of a newly born baby’s umbilical cord and placenta at the Government Cottage Hospital in Iloffa, Oke-Ero Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on Sunday night when Mrs. C.B.A. Williams, a class teacher at Orota Secondary School, gave birth to a baby.
According to Mrs. Williams, she was discharged from the hospital on Monday morning without being given the placenta and umbilical cord, which were missing from the nylon bag containing her personal items.
“I was feeling some labour pains on Sunday and I got to the Cottage hospital, some minutes past 1pm on Sunday, and told the particular Nurse Adeloye I met on duty that I was having contractions. She was the one that attended to me after confirming that I was truly in labour.
“She took me into the labour room and asked me to wait because I still had more time. Not quite long after I came, the doctor also came in and instructed the nurse to usher me into the labour room.
“In the course of the delivery, it was one nurse Alabi who took the delivery, and nurse Adeloye and the Ward Attendant identified as Mrs Toyin were the three people present.”
The hospital workers’ failure to provide the missing items sparked controversy, leading to the involvement of the police.
Five health workers, including a resident doctor, three nurses, and a ward attendant, are currently being detained by the police for questioning.
The suspects are Dr. Ajibola, Rukayat Adeloye, Aishat Awolusi, Peace Alabi, and Toyin Adewumi.
The police investigation was prompted by the failure of efforts to resolve the issue at the local government level, leading to tensions in the community.
Elders from the Odo-Owa community intervened to calm the situation, preventing a potential riot by youths who suspected foul play.
The Kwara State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, confirmed the incident and the ongoing investigation.
“The police are investigating the incident, and five suspects have been arrested in connection with it. The investigation is still ongoing,” she said.
