The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the Custos Care Foundation, has reunited Mrs Catherine Ugema with her nine-month-old baby after they were separated following a devastating road accident in the state.

Ugema, a trader from Taraku Town in Gwer East Local Council of Benue State, with her nine-month-old son, Tomuter Ugema, was on her way to Aba, Abia State, on June 23 to sell food items when the commercial vehicle conveying them was involved in an accident at Ugwu Onyeama in Enugu State.

Several passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries, including Ugema, who also lost consciousness. In the ensuing confusion, she was separated from her son.

The infant, who also reportedly sustained serious injuries, was rescued by a Good Samaritan and taken to the Children’s Emergency Unit of ESUT Parklane Teaching Hospital in Enugu, where he received urgent medical attention.

To facilitate his treatment, however, the unit head, Dr. Chiesonu Nzeduba, appealed for public assistance, which led to the intervention of the Enugu State Government and the state’s First Lady, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, who provided the required support for the child’s treatment and welfare.

The Custos Care Foundation also partnered the Peter Mbah Foundation, the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, the Children’s Emergency Unit of ESUT Parklane Teaching Hospital, and the Enugu State Management Board for the Protection of State-Owned Social Homes (EMBOPSS), among others, to ensure comprehensive medical care for the child.

The interventions included blood transfusions, surgery, and other life-saving treatments. Beyond healthcare, the foundation provided baby items, welfare support and other relief materials for the child. After his discharge from the hospital, the baby was admitted to EMBOPSS, where he continued his recovery in a safe and supportive environment while efforts to trace his family continued.

Fortunately, after weeks of investigations and collaboration among relevant agencies, the child’s mother was eventually located, paving the way for their eventual reunion.

The handover was witnessed by the child’s uncle, Gregory Aswa, an officer with the Enugu State Driver’s Rescue Service (DRS), and the investigating police officer handling the case at the State Traffic Office, Abakpa Junction, Inspector Ugwuanyi Cecelia.

Speaking during the reunion, Mrs. Ugema expressed gratitude to the state government and all those who contributed to saving her son’s life, including the state’s First Lady, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, the Good Samaritan who rescued the child, among others.