A nursing mother in Delta State has been arrested for the horrifying act of throwing her 10-month-old baby into a river, a crime she confessed to after being mocked by her friends.
Blessing Ibuku, the accused mother, allegedly murdered her child, Prevail Jonathan, by tossing the infant into the Aviara community river. The shocking incident occurred on November 31, 2024.
According to reports, the tragedy unfolded after Blessing was reportedly mocked by her friends, who taunted her for having a child without a father.
The matter came to light when the child’s disappearance was reported to the police on December 4, 2024. Authorities began investigating the case and were soon tipped off about a child’s body found floating in the river.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, confirmed the discovery and the subsequent arrest of Blessing Ibuku. He revealed to journalists that the body found in the river was indeed that of the missing child, Prevail Jonathan.
“The body was brought to the police station, and it was later confirmed to be the missing child,” CP Olufemi said.
The police quickly turned their attention to the mother, and after questioning, Blessing Ibuku admitted to throwing her baby into the river. She explained that the act was driven by the emotional distress caused by cruel comments from her friends, who ridiculed her about being a single mother.
Olufemi quoted the suspect’s confession: “She said that her friends and other girls mocked her, telling her that the child did not have a father. This ridicule led her to commit the unthinkable act.”
The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and Blessing Ibuku will soon be arraigned in court for her crime.
This tragic event has shocked the local community, with many struggling to understand the circumstances that led to such a horrifying act.
Local residents of Aviara community expressed their disbelief at the crime, with some sharing their anger over the mother’s actions. “How can anyone do something so terrible to their own flesh and blood?” said one local who wished to remain anonymous. “This is unimaginable.”
The news has sparked a wider conversation about the pressures women face, especially in challenging circumstances like being a single mother.
This incident also highlights the serious emotional toll that bullying and social stigma can take on individuals. The heartbreaking consequences of such behavior have been felt by the entire community.
Blessing Ibuku’s case has drawn attention to the importance of mental health support for vulnerable individuals, particularly mothers who face social isolation and ridicule.
As the investigation continues, many are left grappling with the question of how such a tragic event could have been avoided. The loss of an innocent life has left a scar in the hearts of the people of Delta State.
Blessing Ibuku is expected to be formally charged, and the legal proceedings will soon unfold in the coming weeks.
