The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has successfully reunited a Primary 5 pupil of Family Support Programme School, ThankGod Alex, with his family after he was found wandering the streets of Benin City at midnight while still wearing his school uniform.
The child was rescued by Mr. Richard Balogun of the Edo State Security Corps, who discovered him roaming along Ikhueniro Bypass on Agbor Road late at night and promptly took him to the ministry for intervention.
According to the pupil, he resides on Ehigiator Street, by Adesuwa Street, off Sapele Road in Benin City, and had lost his way while attempting to return home.
Upon receiving the child on behalf of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, immediately directed officials to intensify efforts to locate the child’s family.
Acting swiftly, ministry officials visited the child’s school, where his parents were successfully traced. The boy was later 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. Balogun for his humane and responsible action, noting that his prompt intervention helped ensure the child’s safety.
She also urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the welfare, safety, and movement of their children to prevent similar incidents.
The parents expressed gratitude to the ministry and the Edo State Security Corps for safeguarding their child and were made to sign an undertaking to ensure proper care and supervision of the boy going forward.
