By Jeremiah B. Gayflor, II
Tragedy struck the Zankpah Street community of Ganta City on Monday, December 15 following the discovery of a newborn baby boy abandoned in a cassava patch. Despite urgent medical intervention, the infant later died from severe injuries believed to have been caused by ant bites.
According to community residents, the shocking discovery was made early in the morning when passersby noticed unusual movement in a cassava farm located near a residential area.
Upon closer inspection, they found the lifeless-looking infant lying naked on the ground with his umbilical cord still attached. Witnesses reported that the baby’s body was covered with ants, indicating that he may have been left exposed for several hours.
Alarmed by the scene, residents immediately alerted local authorities and rushed the baby to the Esther and Jerriline (E&J) Hospital in Ganta City. Medical staff at the facility confirmed that the infant was still alive upon arrival and was immediately placed under emergency care.
Health workers worked tirelessly to clean the baby’s wounds and stabilize his condition, as his body had suffered extensive ant bites.
Despite the swift response and continuous medical efforts, hospital authorities later confirmed that the newborn succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The death of the infant has plunged the Zankpah Street community into grief and disbelief, with many residents expressing sorrow and outrage over the incident.
The circumstances under which the baby was abandoned remain unclear. It is not yet known who the child’s parents are or what may have led to the decision to leave the newborn in such a dangerous environment.
Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the facts surrounding the incident and to identify those responsible.
Community leaders are calling for increased awareness and support for expectant mothers, urging individuals facing difficult situations to seek help rather than resort to abandoning infants.
As the investigation continues, residents hope justice will be served and measures taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
