Enugu Govt reunites Benue trader with baby months after crash separation

Enugu Govt reunites Benue trader with baby months after crash separation

The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the Custos Care Foundation, has reunited a Benue State trader, Mrs Catherine Ugema, with her nine-month-old son after they were separated following a road accident in Enugu State.

Ugema, a native of Taraku Town in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, was travelling to Aba, Abia State, on June 23 with her son, Tomuter Ugema, to sell food items when the commercial vehicle conveying them was involved in an accident at Ugwu Onyeama, Enugu State.

The crash left several passengers injured. Ugema reportedly lost consciousness during the incident and became separated from her baby amid the confusion.

The infant, who also sustained severe injuries, was rescued by a Good Samaritan and rushed to the Children’s Emergency Unit of ESUT Parklane Teaching Hospital, Enugu, where he received emergency medical treatment.

The Head of the unit, Dr Chiesonu Nzeduba, later appealed to the public for support to facilitate the child’s treatment. The appeal attracted the intervention of the Enugu State Government and the state’s First Lady, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, who provided the resources needed for the baby’s medical care and welfare.

The Custos Care Foundation also worked with 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 other partners, to ensure the child received comprehensive medical attention.

The baby underwent blood transfusions, surgery and other life-saving procedures. In addition to medical care, the foundation provided baby essentials, welfare assistance and other relief materials.

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After he was discharged from the hospital, the child was transferred to EMBOPSS, where he continued his recovery in a secure environment while authorities intensified efforts to locate his family.

Weeks of investigations and collaboration among relevant agencies eventually led to the discovery of the child’s mother, making the emotional reunion possible.

The handover ceremony was witnessed by the child’s uncle, Gregory Aswa, an officer of 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.