The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Osun State Command, has rescued an eight-year-old boy found wandering along the Imesi-Ile/Otan-Ile Road.
In a statement on Thursday, the Command’s spokesperson, Adeleke Kehinde, identified the child simply as Elijah, explaining that he was discovered in a distressed and confused state, unable to give coherent answers to questions asked by officials.
According to the Corps, Elijah revealed that he had been picked up by an unidentified man in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, before being abandoned in Osun.
“He explained that his mother had sent him to buy an item, but he could not remember his surname or provide any other contact details about his parents,” the statement noted.
The boy further said that his father is a farmer and that his family resides in Auchi. However, he was unable to provide further information that could help in locating his relatives.
Elijah narrated that after being taken away by the unidentified man, he was eventually dropped off at Imesi-Ile, where he became stranded and unable to find his way home.
The NSCDC disclosed that investigations had been carried out in the Imesi-Ile and Otan-Ile communities, and local leaders were invited to help identify the child, but no one recognised him.
“The only consistent detail the child has provided is that he lives with his parents in Auchi and was abandoned in the Imesi-Ile/Otan-Ile area by an unknown individual,” the Corps stressed.
Officials confirmed that Elijah is in the custody of the Osun State Command while efforts are ongoing to trace his family.
The Corps appealed to members of the public with credible information to assist in reuniting the boy with his parents.
“Anyone who recognises Elijah or has useful information should contact the NSCDC Osun State Command immediately,” Adeleke urged, adding that the safety and welfare of the child remain paramount until his family is located.
