The Territorial Police in Aswa region has registered a case of infanticide in Omoro district where a distressed mother allegedly threw her 3 day old baby into a pit latrine, resulting in the infant’s death.
According to police spokesperson Fred Enanga, the 21 year old mother identified as Apiyo Collin of Baya village in Lukwo parish had given birth in a nearby bush out of fear on September 25th after being threatened by her brother not to produce a child from their homestead.
She had been breastfeeding and checking on the baby in the bush for two days. However, on September 27th at around 5am, she found the baby covered in red ants while still alive. Distraught, she took the baby and threw him into her uncle’s pit latrine at around 6am.
The body of the infant was later retrieved but the mother was initially detained before being transferred to hospital for treatment due to bleeding.
Police say efforts are underway to apprehend the mother’s brother for threatening her during the pregnancy.
Commenting on the tragic incident, Mr. Enanga expressed condolences for the loss of innocent life. He noted that as law enforcers, their goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.
Through collaboration with probation officers and shelters homes, the police child protection unit has in the past rescued and supported vulnerable children facing abuse and neglect. Their ultimate aim is to shield kids from harm.
The police investigation into this disturbing case of infanticide continues as the nation mourns yet another needless child death.