Three employees of Emure-Ile Comprehensive Health Center in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State have been taken into police custody over alleged involvement in the theft of a newborn baby’s placenta.
The family of the baby became alarmed when the hospital workers failed to release to them the placenta after the delivery.
The matter has remained unresolved for several days now.
Investigations revealed that the family has appealed to relevant government agencies to ensure that justice was served in the matter.
After waiting for nine months, the Ijanusi family finally welcomed a healthy baby girl on June 15 at the comprehensive health center in Emure-Ile.
However, the joy typically associated with a new baby’s arrival was shortlived as birth attendants at the health centre could not account for the baby’s placenta.
The 23-year-old father, Tunde Ijanusi, and the 19-year-old mother, Joy John, expressed deep concern over the failure of the hospital staff to provide them with the placenta following the safe delivery of the baby.
Mrs. Funmilayo Ijanusi, the paternal grandmother of the baby, stated that the hospital officials claimed a dog entered the facility and took away the placenta, adding that the hospital staff urged the family to let go of the matter.
Neighbours, including Makun Olawoye, emphasized the significance of the placenta to the family and regarded it as the child’s source of blessings, which could be harmful if it fell into wrong hands.
They demanded that appropriate action be taken to ensure justice on the suspects.
Efforts to interview officials at the health facility were unsuccessful as the centre’s authorities person were unavailable for comments.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed that a nurse, a health assistant, and a security officer have been arrested in connection with the missing placenta.
Despite the sadness overshadowing the family’s joy over the newborn, they were optimistic that God would intervene and bless the baby’s life.
