Published: November 17, 2025
ZWEDRU, Grand Gedeh County — The newborn who disappeared from a Zwedru hospital under suspicious circumstances on Sunday has been found alive and safely reunited with his mother, officials confirmed.
The baby was returned safely to his mother, Tracy Nuahn, who wept as she held her six-day-old child again.
The Ministry of Health announced the baby’s recovery in a statement Sunday afternoon, saying he was “in good health” and back with his mother. Officials mentioned that more details will be shared as investigations proceed but stressed that the main focus is on the family’s relief and the child’s well-being.
The baby’s disappearance — which authorities described as a suspected abduction — sparked widespread outrage and a large community-led search effort. Residents, local leaders, and security personnel searched neighborhoods across Zwedru, determined to find the missing child.
According to the Ministry, the baby was found through swift coordination between the Liberia National Police, local residents, and hospital authorities. The Minister extended thanks to the public for their vigilance and cooperation.
The ordeal began around 2:40 a.m. on Sunday when Tracy fed her newborn and placed him in his crib. Minutes later, she encountered an unfamiliar woman wearing a hijab leaving the maternity ward and claiming she was going to buy baby diapers. When Tracy returned, her baby was gone.
Hospital Administrator Thomas Q. Neewray confirmed that the disappearance was immediately reported to police. He described it as the first incident of its kind in his 27-year tenure, prompting an immediate lockdown and checks at all exit points.
As news spread, tensions in the community grew. Activist Sampson Bozoway issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding transparency from hospital officials. The baby’s aunt, Mabeth, camped outside the facility with other relatives, refusing to leave until they received answers. Soon, dozens of residents joined protests, citing past controversies with the hospital and expressing frustration over the lack of information.
The Ministry of Health later issued a public alert confirming the suspected abduction. The alert stated an unidentified woman in a hijab had unlawfully entered the Infant Ward around 2:00 a.m., taken the newborn, and escaped. Authorities urged the public to report anyone seen carrying or attempting to move a newborn under suspicious circumstances.
Officials described the incident as “alarming” and vowed a full investigation in collaboration with the Liberia National Police. They credited the vigilance of residents for helping locate the infant.
Before the baby was found, Zwedru was on high alert. Families locked their doors, stayed glued to radios, and formed informal patrols to assist in the search. Rumors circulated across the town, intensifying fear and public anger.
But by Sunday afternoon, the crisis gave way to relief. The sight of Tracy cradling her recovered baby sparked tears, cheers, and prayers throughout the community. Residents who had spent the morning in anguish celebrated the end of the ordeal with pride and gratitude.
Authorities say the investigation will continue to determine how the suspected abductor gained access to the ward, how the baby was removed from the hospital, and whether the act was planned.
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