On August 29, 2024, the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State announced the initiation of an investigation into the abduction of a five-month-old baby from a farm in Agbeye town. The distressing incident occurred while the infant’s mother was gathering firewood nearby, leaving the child temporarily unattended under the shade of a tree. When she returned to feed her baby, she discovered that the child was missing.
The Osun NSCDC has expressed grave concern regarding the increasing number of missing children reported in the state. Between August 29 and August 29, 2024, three separate cases involving underage individuals were logged at the command’s headquarters, highlighting a troubling trend in child abductions.
Dr. Michael Adaralewa, the commandant of the Osun NSCDC, issued a statement through Public Relations Officer Kehinde Adeleke, providing details about the recent abduction. He noted that the parents of the abducted infant are deaf and mute, complicating their ability to communicate the incident effectively and seek immediate help.
The statement recalled an earlier incident reported on August 29, where a one-year-and-three-month-old boy was kidnapped in the Osunjela community. Investigations revealed that a woman named Tawa, who was introduced to the child’s mother by a family friend named Sodiq, had been working as a helper. On her first day of work, Tawa allegedly lured the child away under the pretense of playing, ultimately leading to the child’s abduction.
In addition to these cases, another report from the same day indicated that a three-year-old child went missing from Ifesowapo Street in Osogbo, Osun State. This child was last seen playing near a shop, and despite efforts to locate him, his whereabouts remain unknown.
The most recent case involved the five-month-old baby from Agbeye, who was abducted on August 29 while the mother collected firewood. The mother had placed the baby under a tree for shade, intending to return promptly to breastfeed. Tragically, upon her return, she discovered the baby was missing.
Dr. Adaralewa assured the public that the NSCDC is actively working to apprehend those responsible for these abductions. He urged local artisans and employers to conduct thorough background checks on individuals they hire to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable individuals. Furthermore, he called upon parents to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children, especially during periods when children are more likely to be outdoors or engaged in activities without direct supervision.
The alarming rise in child abductions in Osun State is a pressing concern for the community, and the NSCDC’s ongoing investigation aims to address these incidents and prevent further occurrences. The commandant emphasized the importance of community awareness and cooperation in safeguarding the welfare of children.
As the investigation unfolds, the hope is that swift action will be taken to locate the missing children and bring the perpetrators to justice, ensuring the safety of families across the state. The NSCDC remains committed to enhancing security measures and fostering a safer environment for all residents.
