The infant was discovered on Saturday, August 29, 2026, by a woman identified as Mrs Mbakasev Yisa, who reportedly found the baby wrapped in clothes and placed inside a carton near Ashar Forest.
Sources in the community said the baby appeared to have been abandoned for some time, with maggots reportedly found around her and a foul smell coming from the carton.
A local councillor, Terkumbur Mbaukaan, said Yisa immediately alerted the police after discovering the child.
According to him, officers from the nearby police outpost visited the scene, documented the incident and advised that the baby be taken to a medical facility without delay.
The infant was initially taken to a clinic in the area but could not be admitted because of her critical condition. She was subsequently transferred to Dooshima Clinic in Wuese, where she is currently receiving treatment.
Mbaukaan said the baby is being closely monitored by medical personnel and given glucose and infant formula while efforts are being made to stabilise her.
He disclosed that he had personally contributed money towards the child’s care and appealed to the government, humanitarian organisations and members of the public to assist with her treatment and welfare.
The community youth leader, Udigi Waya, also confirmed the rescue, expressing concern that the infant may have remained in the forest for several days before she was discovered.
However, the Benue State Police Command said it had yet to receive an official report concerning the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, Peter Aondongu, said he contacted the Konshisha Divisional Police Officer, who also said he was unaware of the case.
Meanwhile, the identity of the baby’s mother, the circumstances surrounding the delivery and the reason the newborn was abandoned remain unknown.
