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 roaming the streets of Benin City at midnight in his school uniform.
The child was rescued by Mr. Richard Balogun of the Edo State Security Corps, who found him wandering along Ikhueniro Bypass on Agbor Road late at night and immediately brought him to the ministry for 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.
Upon 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 that efforts be intensified to trace the child’s family.
Acting swiftly, officials of the ministry visited the child’s school, where his parents were successfully traced. The child was subsequently and 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 appreciated Mr. Richard Balogun for his humane and responsible action, noting that his prompt intervention helped ensure the safety of the child.
She also admonished parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the welfare, safety, and movement of their children in order to prevent similar occurrences.
The parents, while expressing gratitude to the ministry and the Edo State Security Corps for safeguarding their child, were made to sign an undertaking to ensure proper care and supervision of the child going forward.
Edo Women Affairs Ministry Reunites Missing Pupil with Family*
