Bahia police rescue kidnapped baby and arrest two suspects

An 11-month-old baby named Noah was rescued in Ilhéus, Bahia, after being kidnapped at gunpoint from a park in Firmino Alves. The child was found in a beach hut and was reportedly showing signs of sedation and had his hair darkened, leading to suspicions that the kidnappers attempted to alter his appearance to hinder identification.

Following the rescue, two men were arrested in Ibicuí while driving a Kia Sportage, a vehicle matching the description of the one used in the abduction. Police seized a revolver and various infant supplies, including diapers and milk, during the stop. The vehicle had discrepancies between its license plate and chassis number.

The case has sparked significant social reaction. Candomblé religious leaders issued statements condemning the violence and warning against religious intolerance, as social media rumors attempted to link the crime to ritualistic practices without evidence. The baby remains under medical observation at the Materno-Infantil Hospital in Ilhéus.