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🇳🇬 Nigeria

NSCDC Seeks Public Help to Find Family of Wandering Teenager in Osun

From The Punch · (Apr 25) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State is seeking public assistance to identify a teenage girl found wandering in Osogbo.
  • The girl, estimated to be 15-16 years old, is hearing and speech-impaired and unable to provide information about her identity or family.
  • The NSCDC urges anyone with information or who may be searching for a missing child matching the description to contact the command.

The Punch Newspapers reports on a concerning situation in Osun State, where the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is appealing for public help in locating the family of a vulnerable teenage girl. Found wandering in Osogbo, the minor's inability to communicate due to her hearing and speech impairment makes this a particularly sensitive case. The NSCDC's proactive step in taking her into custody and issuing a public appeal highlights their commitment to protecting such individuals.

The minor, estimated to be between the ages of 15 and 16, was found by concerned members of the public along Odi-Olowo, in Osogbo, Osun State.

— Kehinde AdelekeNSCDC spokesperson detailing how and where the girl was found.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Nigeria, especially when they are separated from their support systems. The NSCDC's spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, has been instrumental in disseminating the information, emphasizing that the girl, estimated to be between 15 and 16 years old, could not offer any clues to her identity. The command, under Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo, is making a genuine effort to reunite her with her loved ones.

She was subsequently brought to the NSCDC office for safety. Preliminary observations indicate that the girl is unable to speak and hear and she has not been able to provide any useful information regarding her identity, family or place of residence.

— Kehinde AdelekeNSCDC spokesperson describing the girl's condition and lack of identifying information.

While the immediate focus is on finding the girl's family, the report also touches upon a past incident where the Osun NSCDC sealed a home for children with disabilities due to inadequate facilities. This context, though separate, underscores the broader issues surrounding the care and safety of vulnerable children in the state. The NSCDC's current appeal is a critical step in ensuring this particular teenager receives the necessary care and is safely returned home, demonstrating the vital role of community cooperation in such matters.

The Command under the leadership of Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo, is therefore appealing to members of the public who may have any information that could assist in identifying the girl or locating her family to kindly come forward.

— Kehinde AdelekeNSCDC spokesperson's direct appeal to the public for assistance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.