The Territorial Police in Aswa region and Omoro district, registered a case of infanticide where a stranded mother, identified as Apiyo Collin, aged 21 and peasant farmer of Baya village, Lukwo parish in Omoro district, dumped her 3 day old child, in a latrine, causing his death, on the 27.09.2023, at around 5am.
The victim was threatened during her pregnancy by her brother Opiyo Geofrey, not to produce from their homestead. On the 25.09.2023, at around 5am, the victim got labor pains, but out of fear, went and produced from a nearby bush and covered her newly born baby with fresh grass. She kept checking on the baby and breastfeeding her from the bush, till the 27.09.2023, when she found her baby, covered with red ants but still alive. She took the baby and threw him in her uncle’s pit latrine at around 6am. The body of the baby was retrieved and the mother arrested, but later retained to hospital for treatment due to bleeding. Efforts are in place to have the brother arrested for threatening violence.
Its a very sad story. The loss of innocent children like this heavily impacts and devastates everyone. As the police, we believe every child, should have a chance to live, in a safe and healthy setting or home. Our Child and Family Protection Unit, in liaison with the Probation Officers and shelter homes, have always saved and supported unwanted children. Their ultimate goal is to keep children safe, away from abuse and neglect.
SCP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
3rd October 2023
