The Ondo State Police Command has taken into custody two suspects in connection with separate incidents that led to the deaths of two women and their newborns during childbirth in Akure and Emure-Ile.
The arrests, authorities said, followed preliminary findings linking the fatalities to the involvement of unqualified individuals who allegedly handled the deliveries.
In the Akure incident, which occurred on April 16 in the Gloryland area along Ado Road, a woman identified as Mrs. Blessing Bawa reportedly lost her life after experiencing complications shortly after delivery at a private residence.
The police disclosed that the building was owned by one Elizabeth Aremu, who allegedly claimed to be a midwife despite lacking the required certification.
A family member of the deceased was said to have alerted the police after the incident.
Investigators who visited the location reportedly found the remains of the newborn concealed in a sack, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
In a separate case in Emure-Ile on April 11, a 20-year-old expectant mother, Genifer Sunday, was reportedly taken to a church for delivery.
The police said a prophetess, identified as Blessing Efiong, allegedly carried out the procedure.
While the baby was said to have died shortly after birth, the mother later passed away on the way to a hospital following complications.
The suspect in the case has also been arrested.
The police command confirmed that investigations are ongoing, while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited in medical facilities for autopsy to determine the exact causes of death.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, assured that the command would thoroughly probe the incidents and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the law.
He cautioned residents against patronising unlicensed individuals for medical services, particularly during childbirth, stressing the need to seek care from qualified health professionals.
The command reiterated its resolve to clamp down on illegal practices that endanger lives and to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting residents across the state.
