Residents of Naraguta community in Jos North Local Government Area of [Plateau State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plateau_State) rescued a newborn baby boy who had been left alone in an unfinished building at a local mining site on Sunday, 18 October 2026. The infant was still attached to his umbilical cord when children playing nearby heard his cries and alerted the family of Lukman Yusuf Wayas, who immediately called security personnel. The baby was taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
**What triggered the rescue?**
The baby’s wailing was first heard around 11 p.m. on Saturday, but Wayas initially thought the sound came from a newborn in a neighbouring house. When the children heard the cry again the following morning, they reported it to Wayas, who then contacted security operatives. The security team arrived, evacuated the infant, and escorted him to the health facility.
**Key facts of the incident**
- Date of discovery: 18 October 2026.
- Location: Uncompleted structure on a mining site along Ardo Lane, Naraguta community, Jos North, Plateau State.
- The baby was found with the umbilical cord still attached, indicating a very recent birth.
- A health worker later examined the site and found remnants of a placenta, suggesting the child was delivered there.
- Wayas quoted the incident: “When the children heard the cry again this morning, they alerted us, and we immediately informed security operatives, who took the baby to the hospital for medical attention.”
**Community response and investigation**
Aliko Sa’adu, the Ardo of Yanjin, noted that similar abandonment cases have occurred in the community before and called for a thorough probe. He said, “We have reported the matter to the relevant authorities to investigate and identify the mother of the child. We want them to establish what happened and reunite the baby with the mother where possible.” Sa’adu emphasized that the newborn’s safety and welfare must remain a priority while investigations continue.
**What are the next steps?**
Local authorities have been notified and are expected to conduct inquiries to determine the mother’s identity and the circumstances surrounding the abandonment. The community hopes the infant will be reunited with his family, and that measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident underscores the vigilance of local residents and the rapid response of security and health officials in safeguarding vulnerable lives in the region.