The severely malnourished child who was found sitting alone under the scorching sun in Makurdi, Benue State has made a remarkable recovery.
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.
