The Enugu State Government, working alongside the Custos Care Foundation and other partner organisations, has successfully reunited a Benue State woman, Mrs Catherine Ugema, with her nine-month-old son after they were separated in a tragic road accident.
Mrs Ugema, a trader from Taraku Town in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, was travelling to Aba, Abia State, on June 23 with her son, Tomuter Ugema, to sell food items when the commercial vehicle conveying them was involved in a crash at the Ugwu Onyeama axis of Enugu State.
The accident left several passengers injured. Ugema reportedly lost consciousness due to her injuries, while the confusion that followed led to her being separated from her baby.
The infant, who also sustained severe injuries, was rescued by a passerby and rushed to the Children’s Emergency Unit of ESUT Parklane Teaching Hospital, where doctors immediately began life-saving treatment.
As the child’s medical needs increased, the Head of the Children’s Emergency Unit, Dr Chiesonu Nzeduba, appealed for public assistance. The appeal drew the attention of the Enugu State Government and the First Lady, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, who stepped in to support the baby’s treatment and overall welfare.
The recovery effort became a collaborative mission involving the Custos Care Foundation, Peter Mbah Foundation, the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, ESUT Parklane Teaching Hospital, and the Enugu State Management Board for the Protection of State-Owned Social Homes (EMBOPSS).
The child received comprehensive medical care, including blood transfusions, surgery, and other critical treatments. Beyond healthcare, the organisations provided clothing, baby supplies, and welfare assistance to aid his recovery. Following his discharge from the hospital, he was temporarily placed under the care of EMBOPSS, where he remained in a safe environment as authorities intensified efforts to locate his family.
After weeks of coordinated investigations involving relevant agencies, officials were able to trace Mrs Ugema, making the emotional reunion with her son possible.
Present during the handover were the child’s uncle, Gregory Aswa, an officer of the Enugu State Driver’s Rescue Service (DRS), and Inspector Ugwuanyi Cecelia of the State Traffic Office, Abakpa Junction, who handled the investigation.
An emotional Mrs Ugema thanked the Enugu State Government, First Lady Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, the Good Samaritan who rescued her son, medical personnel, and all the organisations whose timely interventions ensured her child survived and was safely reunited with his family.
