Edo Women Affairs Ministry Reunites Missing Schoolboy With Family

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reunited a missing primary five pupil, ThankGod Alex, with his family after he was found wandering the streets of Benin City at midnight while still wearing his school uniform.

The pupil of Family Support Program School was rescued by Mr. Richard Balogun of the Edo State Security Corps at Ikhueniro Bypass along Agbor Road, Benin City, and taken to the ministry for proper care and intervention.

According to the child, he lives at Ehigiator Street by Adesuwa Street, off Sapele Road, Benin City, and had lost his way while trying 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 boy’s family.

Officials of the ministry later visited the child’s school, where his parents were successfully traced. The boy was subsequently handed over to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Okezie Ikonne, by the Permanent Secretary on behalf of the commissioner.

Speaking during the handover, Mrs. Ihensekhien commended Mr. Richard Balogun for his prompt and humane intervention, noting that his action helped ensure the safety of the child.

She also advised parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the welfare, safety, and movement of their children to avoid similar incidents.

The parents expressed appreciation to the ministry and the Edo State Security Corps for safeguarding their son and facilitating his safe return home. They were also made to sign an undertaking to ensure proper care and supervision of the child going forward.