The severely malnourished child who was found sitting alone under the scorching sun in Makurdi, Benue State has made a remarkable recovery.
LIB reported that the little girl, now identified as Iember Aku, was found in Yagba, North Bank area of Makurdi on Thursday July 24, 2025.
It was gathered that the child’s family had fled herdsmen attacks in their ancestral home.
Human rights activist, Ukan Kurugh, who took over the welfare of the child and her mother, shared their new photos in a Facebook post on Friday, August 15, 2025.
“About three weeks ago, a heartbreaking picture shook my heart and the hearts of many. It was the image of little Baby Iember Aku, barely four years old, her tiny body frail and skeletal, her bones visibly pressing against her skin,” he wrote.
She had been left in the scorching sun, weakened by severe hunger and malnutrition a direct result of being displaced from their ancestral home by marauding Fulani terrorist herdsmen.
Her mother, equally distressed and in poor health, could only watch her child suffer, with no means to change their situation.
When the image first surfaced online, it evoked a wave of shock, pain, and compassion across social media. It was brought to my attention by a concerned neighbour who first posted it and tagged me.
That single act sparked a chain of kindness, people began visiting the hospital to bring them food, clothes, toiletries, and words of comfort. Financial donations poured in from far and near to support their treatment and recovery.
Today, I stand before you with joy in my heart to share this remarkable progress, both Baby Iember and her mother have been officially discharged from the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. They have been declared free from all illnesses that plagued them, especially the mother, who was in a critical state. They are alive, stronger, and smiling again.
I cannot let this moment pass without expressing my deepest gratitude.
To God Almighty for the grace, strength, and opportunity to serve humanity in love and humility.
To every single donor whether you gave money, food, clothes, toiletries, or even a prayer, you played a vital role in giving life and hope back to this family.
To the brave neighbour who raised the alarm you are the true hero in this story. By speaking up, you saved not just one life, but two. May help find you swiftly whenever you are in need.
To the doctors and nurses at the hospital, I salute your professionalism, compassion, and tireless dedication. You responded swiftly at every stage, gave me detailed updates, and ensured that the mother and child received the very best care from the first day to the last.
While we celebrate this recovery, there is still a road ahead. They have now been discharged without a home. For now, I intend to relocate them to the International Market Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP) Camp while we work on their long term resettlement.
From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you to everyone who stood with us through this journey. The story of Baby Iember is proof that when compassion meets action, miracles happen. All further updates on their resettlement will be shared as the process continues.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says public officers steal funds every minute.
Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.
He stated that the anti-graft agency receives over 20,000 corruption petitions every year, describing the scale of the theft detailed in many cases as shocking.
“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.
“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.
The EFCC boss noted that some public officers assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their accounts, but within three years, the agency traces millions of dollars to them.
He added that some individuals acquire hundreds of houses while in office, warning that corruption is crippling the nation.
Olukoyede stressed that public officers must be held accountable for their time in office, emphasizing that transparency must remain the guiding standard in public service.
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an officer who appeared in a viral video making inappropriate remarks about Peter Obi and Igbo people while travelling on public transport.
The officer who has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank, was filmed saying Obi or any Igbo person can never become President of Nigeria.
In a statement released today September 25, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola said the command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.
Abimbola stated that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.
She added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has reiterated the position of the command that all its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. She further reaffirmed that wearing the Police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, and that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruling that the foundation lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.
The judge also described the application as speculative and lacking sufficient merit, noting that the foundation failed to produce the original police investigation report to support its claim that the earlier investigation was inadequate.
Justice Omotosho further cautioned lawyers handling ongoing cases against discussing matters before the court during media interviews or on social media, describing such conduct as professional misconduct.