By amadui.mansaray@awokonewspapersl.com
Port Loko, SIERRA LEONE – A newborn baby girl who was stolen from the Port Loko Government Hospital three weeks ago has been found safe and reunited with her mother, bringing relief to a community that had been gripped by fear and anxiety.
The infant, one of a set of twins, was just six days old when she disappeared under suspicious circumstances on 21st April 2025. Her disappearance triggered widespread alarm and prompted a region-wide police investigation.
Chief Inspector Paul Hassan Turay, Media Officer for the Northwest Region, confirmed the recovery of the child. He said the investigation was “diligently pursued,” with a crucial breakthrough coming from a mobile phone left at the hospital on the day of the incident. The phone was traced to the suspect, leading to her arrest.
The suspect, Zainab Kamara, was apprehended and reportedly confessed to intentionally visiting the hospital around 5:00 a.m. with the aim of abducting a baby. After days of intense police work, the baby was recovered alive and in good health, and was swiftly returned to her mother.
Community members, speaking to Awoko on Tuesday evening, revealed that Kamara, who is known in the area as a landlady, had been pretending to be pregnant for several months. “She suddenly moved out and rented a new place elsewhere after the baby went missing,” a resident disclosed.
The baby’s safe return has been met with widespread joy and relief among hospital staff, community members, and local leaders. Many have praised the swift response and thorough work of law enforcement officers.
Police say investigations are still ongoing, and they have pledged to ensure all those involved are brought to justice. Authorities also emphasized the need to bolster security at healthcare facilities to prevent future incidents.
The case has reignited calls for tighter hospital security and heightened community awareness to protect the most vulnerable. AIM/21/5/2025
