In a shocking and mysterious incident, the Kwara State Police Command has detained five health workers in connection with the disappearance of a placenta and umbilical cord from a newly born baby.
The incident occurred at Cottage Hospital in Illoffa, Oke-Ero local government area, last Sunday.
According to the Daily Trust, those detained include Dr. Ajibola, nurses Rukayat Adeloye, Aishat Awolusi, Peace Alabi, and ward attendant Toyin Adewunmi.
The suspects are being held in Ilorin for further interrogation.
The situation nearly escalated into violence as angered youths from the community threatened to torch the hospital.
Elders of the Odo-Owa community intervened just in time to prevent the hospital from being set ablaze.
Mrs. C.B. Williams, an English teacher at Orofa High School, Odo-Owa, and the mother of the newborn, expressed her distress over the incident.
She recounted raising an alarm when the medical staff failed to produce the placenta and umbilical cord post-delivery.
“Some of their staff started telling me they’re sorry that there was a mistake.
“The attendant said she had thrown the placenta inside a pit but they could not find it, suggesting a dog might have eaten it,” Mrs. Williams said.
“That was when I flared up with some members of my church who were also present, insisting that they must present the placenta.”
Mr. Rufus Sanya, Mrs. Williams’ father, voiced his suspicions regarding the incident.
“How could an umbilical cord and a placenta of a new baby be missing when we all know the implication? I urge the police to do a thorough investigation and unravel the mystery behind this disappearance.
That is the only way justice can be served and we can be at peace with ourselves,” he said.
Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, confirmed the incident and assured that a thorough investigation is underway.
“Our operatives have commenced a discreet investigation into the matter,” Toun stated.
The disappearance of such vital biological materials has raised concerns and speculations among the local community.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that in many cultures, the placenta and umbilical cord are considered significant, and their improper handling can lead to severe suspicions and allegations, often involving rituals or malpractice.
The police have urged residents to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.
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