Five healthcare workers from a Kwara State cottage hospital have been arrested by the state police command following the alleged disappearance of a newborn baby’s placenta and umbilical cord.
The incident occurred last Sunday at the Iloffa Cottage Hospital in the Oke-Ero Local Government Area (LGA).
Those detained include Dr. Ajibola, nurses Rukayat Adeloye, Aishat Awolusi, Peace Alabi, and ward attendant Toyin Adewunmi.
The family alleged that health workers at the hospital failed to produce the placenta and umbilical cord after childbirth.
The mother of the baby, who teaches English language at Orofa High School, Odo-Owa, Mrs.C.B. Williams, said she raised the alarm after the doctor and nurses who delivered the baby failed to produce the placenta and umbilical cord.
She said, “Some of their staff started telling me they’re sorry that there was a mistake. The attendant said she had thrown the placenta inside a pit but they could not find it, suggesting a dog might have eaten it.
“That was when I flared up with some members of my church, who were also present, that it’s not possible that they just have to present the placenta.”
Williams’ father, Rufus Sanya, said he suspected foul play, stating, “How could an umbilical cord and a placenta of a new baby be missing when we all know the implication?
“I urge the police to do a thorough investigation and unravel the mystery behind this disappearance.That is only when justice would be said to have been served and we would be at peace with ourselves.”
Police spokesperson, SP Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, confirmed the incident and revealed that operatives have commenced a discreet investigation into the matter.
