Some thieves yesterday morning reportedly invaded the maternity wards of the central hospital in Benin, the capital of Edo State, attempting to steal newly born babies.
Many of the patients of the hospital, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, appealed to the state government to provide adequate security in the hospital.
One Mr. Bernard Isokponba said his wife who gave birth on Monday told him that the thieves stormed the female ward of the hospital in the midnight looking for placenta and babies.
Some of the staff of the hospital, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the thieves could be agents of some politicians who have always used placenta, fetus and newly born babies for rituals.
The secretary of the hospital management committee, Isaac Isain, confirmed the incident, but denied that the invaders targeted newly born babies.
“Thieves invaded the hospital and stole some handsets and cash from patients on admission.
Some suspects have been arrested and are now at the Adesuwa police station. This is not the first time thieves will enter the hospital”.
He however said the management of the hospital had put measures in place to ensure adequate security in the hospital.
