A father has tearfully reunited with his only surviving child at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) on Tuesday.
This is as it was revealed that the man’s family were wiped out during the herdsmen attack in Benue.
Only one of his children, a 10-month-old baby survived the onslaught.
The infant, who escaped death in the deadly attack allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, was discovered by a fleeing resident and brought to the hospital with a stab wound to his back.
Upon arrival, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, ordered that the baby be admitted immediately to the Paediatric Medical Ward. Recognizing the child’s vulnerable condition, a kind-hearted staff member, Mrs Asongo Roseline, volunteered to serve as a temporary caregiver, providing round-the-clock care and comfort while medical staff worked to stabilize him.
Days later, a breakthrough came when Mrs Blessing Audu, another survivor of the attack receiving treatment at BSUTH, recognized the baby. She promptly contacted his father, Mr. Targule Aya, who had survived the massacre but lost his wife and three other children in the violence.
In an emotional moment, Aya was reunited with his baby, his only remaining family. Amid tears and sobs, he held his son tightly, a rare moment of light amid the darkness of grief.
The CMD, Hwande, while handing over the child, thanked God for preserving his life and praised the hospital staff, especially Mrs Roseline, for their compassion and dedication.
According to Tsenzughul Moses, from the hospital’s Public Relations and Protocol Department, BSUTH will continue to provide full medical support for the child’s recovery.
Overcome with emotion, Aya said, “God used this hospital to save my only surviving child. I’m eternally grateful for the kindness and love shown to us.”
