Edo Women Affairs Ministry, Security Corps Rescue and Reunite Missing Child With Family

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has successfully reunited a missing primary five pupil, ThankGod Alex of Family Support Programme School, with his family after he was found wandering the streets of Benin City late at night in his school uniform.

The child was rescued by Mr. Richard Balogun of the Edo State Security Corps, who discovered him roaming around the Ikhueniro Bypass along Agbor Road, Benin City, at about midnight and promptly took him to the ministry for immediate intervention.

According to the child, he resides on Ehigiator Street, off Adesuwa Street, Sapele Road, Benin City, and had lost his way while attempting to return home.

Receiving the child on behalf of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, immediately directed officials to intensify efforts to locate the child’s family.

Acting swiftly, officials of the ministry visited the child’s school, where his parents were successfully identified and contacted. The child was subsequently and formally handed over to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Okezie Ikonne, by Mrs. Ihensekhien on behalf of the Commissioner.

Speaking during the handover, the Permanent Secretary commended Mr. Richard Balogun for his humane and responsible action, noting that his prompt intervention played a crucial role in ensuring the child’s safety.

She also urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the welfare, safety, and movement of their children in order to prevent similar incidents.

The parents, while expressing gratitude to the ministry and the Edo State Security Corps for safeguarding their child, also signed an undertaking to ensure proper care and supervision of the child going forward.