In Aswa region and Omoro district, there was a sad incident where a young mother named Apiyo Collin, aged 21 and a farmer from Baya village in Lukwo parish, Omoro district, left her three-day-old baby in a latrine, which led to the baby’s passing on September 27, 2023, at around 5 am.
During her pregnancy, the mother, Apiyo Collin, felt threatened by her brother, Opiyo Geofrey, who told her not to have the baby in their home. On September 25, 2023, at around 5 am, she experienced labor pains but was too afraid to have the baby at home. Instead, she gave birth in a nearby bush and covered the newborn with fresh grass. She continued to care for and breastfeed the baby secretly in the bush until September 27, 2023, when she found the baby covered in red ants but still alive. In a moment of desperation, she placed the baby in her uncle’s pit latrine at around 6 am. The baby’s body was later recovered, and the mother was arrested. She was also taken to the hospital for treatment due to bleeding. Efforts are being made to apprehend her brother, who had threatened violence.
This is a tragic and distressing story. The loss of innocent children like this has a profound impact on everyone involved. As the police, we believe that every child deserves a chance to live in a safe and nurturing environment. Our Child and Family Protection Unit, working in collaboration with Probation Officers and shelter homes, is committed to rescuing and supporting unwanted children. Their primary objective is to ensure children are protected from abuse and neglect.
SCP Enanga Fred Police Spokesperson October 3, 2023
