Remarkable Recovery for Malnourished Child Found Abandoned in Benue

A young, severely malnourished child found abandoned and exposed to the sun in Makurdi, Benue State, has made a remarkable recovery thanks to a community outpouring of support. The child, now identified as Iember Aku, was discovered on July 24, 2025, in the Yagba area of Makurdi's North Bank.

The four-year-old girl and her mother were reportedly displaced from their ancestral home due to conflict. The dire circumstances left the child in a severely emaciated state, a direct result of hunger and malnutrition. When a photo of the child first circulated online, it sparked a powerful wave of compassion.

Human rights activist Ukan Kurugh took charge of the welfare of Iember and her mother after a concerned neighbor brought the situation to his attention. Kurugh shared an update on Friday, August 15, revealing that the pair had been officially discharged from Benue State University Teaching Hospital after a successful recovery.

In a statement, Kurugh noted the overwhelming public response that followed the initial photo. Donations of food, clothing, toiletries, and financial aid poured in from people near and far to support their treatment and recovery.

"The story of Baby Iember is proof that when compassion meets action, miracles happen," Kurugh wrote, expressing gratitude to the donors, medical staff, and the neighbor who first raised the alarm.

While they have been discharged from the hospital, the family still faces the challenge of homelessness. For now, Kurugh plans to relocate them to the International Market Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp while working on a long-term resettlement plan.