Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital: baby abducted due to a failing security system

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Extract from the article: A newborn baby was abducted from the maternity ward at Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital on 17 September 2026. A veiled individual is believed to be responsible for the abduction. A few days later, the hospital issued its response, which includ...

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A newborn baby was abducted from the maternity ward at Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital on 17 September 2026. A veiled individual is believed to be responsible for the abduction. A few days later, the hospital issued its response, which included, amongst other measures, a ban on the niqab and the burqa. But behind this decision lies a far more important question: how was a stranger able to enter a maternity ward, gain access to a newborn and walk out with the baby from one of Togo’s largest hospitals?

The abducted newborn is a baby girl. According to initial statements from the management of the CHU-SO, a woman is believed to have taken advantage of the momentary absence of the person responsible for watching over the baby to snatch her. The gendarmerie is investigating and CCTV footage is being analysed.

But in reality, this incident above all reveals a major flaw in the security system at the CHU-SO. In a maternity ward, particularly in a large referral hospital, access to newborns should be strictly controlled. Who enters? Who leaves? Who accompanies a mother? Who is allowed to take a baby? Where are the access controls for sensitive wards? The answer cannot, therefore, be limited to clothing alone.

Niqabs and burqas banned

In response, and as one of the measures taken, the CHU-SO has now banned the niqab and the burqa, on the grounds that they make it difficult to identify individuals. The security objective is understandable. However, the measure raises a very sensitive issue, given the demographic that wears this type of clothing. This measure may be perceived as stigmatising and, in certain circumstances, may deter those affected from seeking healthcare.

Therefore, rather than imposing a blanket ban throughout the hospital, why not introduce, in sensitive areas such as the maternity ward, an identification procedure supervised by authorised staff, whilst respecting dignity and socio-religious beliefs?

A security measure must target the actual risk, without turning a particular style of dress or a section of the population into permanent suspects.

The problem runs deeper

The CHU-SO is a healthcare facility facing multiple problems. This case of a baby’s abduction brings back to the forefront of the debate the question, raised time and again, of the major reforms needed to improve the performance of this institution. The abduction of a baby is certainly not the first incident of this kind at this hospital.

That is why this latest abduction must serve as a wake-up call. It is not enough simply to put up signs banning certain types of clothing. The CHU-SO is, in principle, the national referral hospital. The disappearance of a baby within its walls must be treated with the utmost seriousness.

Security must be audited, access points properly monitored, accompanying persons identified, maternity wards secured and CCTV systems checked. It is also essential to establish who is responsible: who is employed and paid to ensure the security of the maternity ward? Who is responsible for security in this hospital?

This case has caused great distress amongst the public. According to some sources, the baby was born by caesarean section. In addition to the distress caused by the operation, her mother may never have the chance to see her child again.

All legal and professional measures must be taken to ensure that such a situation never happens again.

Gamé KOKO