Five missing male children have been recovered in Ebonyi State, with authorities calling on parents and guardians to come forward for identification and possible reunification.
The children were rescued by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, after being found wandering in different parts of the state. They were subsequently handed over to the Ebonyi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for proper care and investigation.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwamkpuma — represented by the Head of the Child Development Department, Emmanuel Nkwuda — said the children, aged between three and 14 years, were picked up on different dates and at separate locations across the state.
The briefing took place at the Juvenile Remand Home in Ugwuachara, where the children are currently being housed pending family tracing and reunification.
According to the ministry, some of the children have been in custody for up to four years, others for two years and one year, while the youngest has stayed for only two months.
The ministry urged parents searching for missing children in Ebonyi to visit the Ministry of Women Affairs for screening, documentation, and proper identification. Officials stressed that parents must present credible evidence to facilitate the reunion process.
The commissioner revealed that following a similar media appeal last year, two children were successfully reunited with their families after due verification.
Authorities warned that if the biological parents or relatives fail to show up within a reasonable timeframe, the state government may initiate adoption or fostering processes in line with the Ebonyi State Child Rights Law.
The commissioner explained that prolonged stay at the remand home is not in the best interest of the children, noting that the facility is not designed as a long-term shelter or transit camp.
She emphasized that every child has the right to a name, parental care, dignity, education, and a safe home environment. Where family reunification proves impossible, the government may seek court approval for adoption or foster placement to safeguard the children’s welfare.
The Ministry also advised parents to be security-conscious and ensure they only have the number of children they can adequately cater for, considering economic realities.
Residents were cautioned against allowing strangers to accompany their children under any pretext, following recent incidents of child abduction reported in parts of the state.
The Ebonyi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to child protection, welfare, and enforcement of child rights laws, urging community members to report suspicious activities and assist in reuniting the rescued children with their families.
Stay updated with Ebonyi News Network for real-time reports, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage of policies shaping Ebonyi State.
