MENTALLY ILL WOMAN GIVES BIRTH BY ROADSIDE IN KWALI, RESCUED WITH NEWBORN BY POLICE

A woman believed to be mentally ill was found in the early hours of Friday after delivering a baby by the roadside in Kwaita Village, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. Residents said the woman had been seen wandering within the area before she went into labour around midnight, with no immediate access to medical care or assistance.

The situation drew the attention of patrol officers from the Rapid Response Squad, who discovered the mother and her newborn lying by the roadside shortly after delivery. Concerned about their condition, the officers alerted the Gender Unit of the Kwali Division, which swiftly mobilised to the scene. Both mother and child were rescued and taken to the General Hospital, Kwali, where they received medical attention. Hospital sources confirmed that they were later discharged in stable condition.

Following their discharge, the authorities initiated steps to ensure their welfare. The mother and baby were handed over to the Kwali Area Council welfare department and subsequently relocated to a children’s care facility in Wako, Gwagwalada, for further support. Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Sanusi, commended the officers for their prompt and humane response, noting that their intervention prevented possible complications. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report cases involving vulnerable persons or emergencies to security agencies for timely intervention.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the growing number of vulnerable persons, including those with mental health conditions, living without adequate care and support across communities in the FCT.