Another School Child Missing In Abia, Mother Cries For Help

Mrs. Ifeoma Chibuzor Onyike, a resident of Isiala Etitiulo in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, has expressed concern over the disappearance of her five-year-old son, Davematice Chibuzo Onyike.

The mother of three and Chemist, told Vanguard that his son who is a Primary 3 pupil of Intellectual Giant Christian Academy Umuahia, went missing since April 28, 2024.

Narrating her ordeals, Mrs Onyike whose husband lives in Abuja, said she left Dave with his siblings on Sunday evening after feeding them, and went to her shop close to the house.

According to her, Dave who was playing with his siblings at a point, reportedly came outside the house and continued to play but the elderly brother ordered him to return inside the house.

She said that after sometimes when the siblings who were waiting for him to return inside and begin his homework, could not see him,  they ran to the shop to see if he was with her.

It was at that point that she raised an alarm and a search party was conducted for him but without success.

She said: ”On Sunday, April 30, after feeding my children I went to my shop opposite Catholic Church in Bende. I was there when the elderly one ran to me to know if Dave his brother was with me.

” I told him that they were all in the house when I left them but he said Dave was outside when they were asking him to come and start doing his homework but could not find him.

” They I quickly raised alarm and the community people mobilised to search for him. We went to the soldiers at Army checkpoint towards Umuahia Road and the one at Abam, and informed them. We also reported to the police at Bende.

” We later went to Radio Stations to make announcement but since the, he has not been found. We have spent our fortunes in search of him. We want Government to please come to our aid and help us rescue Dave.”

Efforts to get reaction from Police were unsuccessful as the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state, Moureen Chinaka, did not pick calls put across to her.

There have been incidents of child theft in Abia in the recent times.

Three siblings who were abducted by a motorcycle operator at Oboro Ikwuano community in May, were later rescued in Anambra and Delta States respectively.

The victims who were received by Gov. Alex Otti, last weekend, have since been re-united with their parents.

However, another four siblings stollen late last year by a tricycle operator engaged by their mother to convey them to school, are yet to be located.

Gov. Alex Otti, had while receiving the rescued three siblings, advised parents to prioritize the security of their children and wards.

He vowed to stop at nothing in getting the state rid of kidnappers and criminal elements.