The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has successfully reunited three children who were found roaming the streets around Iyaro in Igusi Community, Benin City, with their parents, following prompt intervention by the Ministry.
The children had become the subject of a viral social media video alleging that they had been abandoned by a woman along the roadside. However, investigations by the Ministry revealed that the claim was false.
Speaking on the incident, the Coordinator of Amadin Orphanage, Mrs. Lucy Bello, explained that the three children were found on Sunday, July 12, by the Chairman of Igusi Community, Mr. Osabuohien Aisien, who promptly rescued them and took them to the orphanage for temporary care and protection.
According to Mrs. Bello, preliminary interrogation revealed that the children had eaten the pot of food prepared by their mother. Fearing they would be punished, they ran away from home and eventually lost their way.
She further disclosed that their mother, Mrs. Evelyn Ochade, had returned from her business premises to discover that the children were missing. She immediately commenced a frantic search and later came across the viral video circulating online. Acting on information provided by concerned members of the public, she traced the children to Amadin Orphanage.
In line with established child protection procedures, the Chairman of Igusi Community and the Coordinator of Amadin Orphanage reported the matter to the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, where further investigations were conducted to establish the true circumstances surrounding the incident.
After due verification and confirmation of the children’s identities and the facts of the case, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, formally reunited the children with their parents during a brief ceremony at the Ministry.
Speaking during the reunification, Hon. Abdallah commended the Chairman of Igusi Community, the management of Amadin Orphanage, and members of the public who acted responsibly by ensuring the children’s safety instead of leaving them vulnerable.
She reiterated that the administration of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, places the highest priority on the protection, welfare and development of every child in Edo State, stressing that no child in distress would ever be neglected by the government.
The Commissioner urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open communication and providing proper guidance to prevent similar incidents.
She also cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information on social media, noting that false narratives can cause unnecessary panic, stigmatize innocent families, and hinder ongoing investigations.
Hon. Abdallah encouraged residents to promptly report cases involving missing, abandoned or vulnerable children to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development or other appropriate authorities to ensure swift intervention.
Expressing gratitude to the Edo State Government for the timely intervention, Mrs. Evelyn Ochade appreciated the Ministry for its professionalism, compassion and commitment throughout the process. She thanked Hon. Eugenia Abdallah and the Ministry’s officials for ensuring that her children were safely reunited with the family.
The family resides at No. 14 Omoruyi Street, off Upper Lawani Street, Benin City.
Daisy Osunde
Director of Media
MWASD
