The 8-day-old child found on May 4, 2023, in Ntefinki Quarter in Nkwen, Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon was not abandoned — but he was simply left in the father’s compound.
This latest update comes after the mother of the child identified as Mefeka Mbanyui, was arrested by the police in Mamfe, Manyu Division of the South West Region.
Reports say she dumped the child after the father demonstrated ‘no concern and irresponsibility’ throughout her pregnancy.
“When I was staying with him, he kept on beating and brutalizing me and that is why we separated. Since then he has not taken responsibility neither has his family shown concern,” said Mefeka adding that, “I dropped the baby in the father’s compound because I wanted him to take responsibility for the child. Since I got pregnant till when I put to birth he has never been there or shown any sign responsibility.”
The father whose name MMI could not get is resident at the neighborhood where the child was abandoned by his mother.
According to MMI findings, the man in question is yet to be properly identified.
“The guy who is mentioned as the father of the child is not in Bamenda at the moment but their family compound is where the child was found,” a source close to the family told MMI in an exclusive interview.
It is uncertain whether she actually left the child at the father’s compound given that the letter she dropped with the child was not specifically addressed to anybody but only stated her reasons for doing so without mentioning the father.
“I am sorry I had to do this. I had no other choice because I want my child to live a happy life. I have nothing, no one to help me and nothing to start a small business that can sustain the baby and I,” part of the letter which MMI got reads.
Meanwhile, few days after the 8-day old child was discovered, rumours made rounds that the child was missing in a trafficking network.
Speaking to MMI in an exclusive interview, Salah Ernest, director of Reach Out NGO, following up the case said the rumours were false and that the child is fine and doing well.
“I am just from the social welfare office and the child is doing fine. Allegations that he was missing are false,” he said.
Reacting to news that the mother has been found, he said: “I have heard the rumour but I cannot confirm for now. I am still making contacts to ascertain the information. Truly if she is found it will be good because a good number of people have reached out to me saying that the mother should be assisted if found.”
Meantime, the baby who is called Migael is currently with Social Welfare officials in Bamenda. “I visited him on Wednesday May 10th and he was doing well and he is safe,” Ernest told MMI.
By David Atangana
