Residents of Tudun Murtala Tagarji community in Kano State woke up to a distressing discovery of a newborn baby abandoned in a carton near the Kaura drainage.

According to Commander Sulaiman Rabiu, leader of the Operation Zaman Lafiya vigilante group, his team came across the heartbreaking scene during a routine patrol around 2 a.m. on Saturday.

“Yesterday around 2 a.m., while we were out on patrol, we came across a shocking incident inside a pit very close to us. Upon close observation, we noticed a disposed carton, but we had no idea what was inside it,” he recounted.

Determined to investigate, the team proceeded with caution.

“In order to clear our doubt and be sure nothing harmful was kept there, I instructed my boys to open the carton, and behold, upon opening it, we saw a baby already dead,” Sulaiman revealed.

Following the discovery, the vigilantes took the baby to their office and informed the community leadership.

“By morning, we invited the ward head to come and see for himself, along with other members of the community, before conveying the baby to the police station and informing them,” he explained.

The police later directed them to a hospital for medical examination, where doctors confirmed the baby was dead.

“We came back home and organized burial rites for the baby in accordance with Islamic teachings,” Sulaiman stated.

Commander Sulaiman urged vigilante groups to remain vigilant in safeguarding their communities and called on parents to guide their children, particularly young women, to avoid circumstances leading to unwanted pregnancies.

“Unwanted pregnancy goes against Islamic teachings, and parents should monitor their children’s movements, with guidance from traditional leaders,” he advised.