By Emmanuel Ogbodo
The Nigeria Police Force in Abuja has voiced grave concerns over the growing number of abandoned babies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), attributing the trend to men abandoning women after unplanned pregnancies.
Police Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Sunday, revealed that two new cases of abandoned babies were reported last Saturday.
Describing the trend as an alarming pattern, she said “This troubling trend is largely due to men abandoning women after impregnating them.
She called on men to take responsibility, avoid unprotected sex, or abstain if they are not ready for fatherhood.
Child abandonment remains a widespread problem in Nigeria and globally.
According to estimates, approximately 140 million children worldwide are orphans, with many more abandoned or neglected.
The situation in the FCT underscores the need for greater societal responsibility and preventive measures.
The Abuja Police emphasized the importance of men owning up to their responsibilities to curb the rising cases of child abandonment.
“If you are not prepared to take responsibility for fatherhood, avoid unprotected sex or abstain from it,” SP Adeh urged.
The authorities reiterated their commitment to addressing the issue while advocating for increased public awareness to prevent abandonment and ensure children receive adequate care and support.
