The Sapele area of Delta State was thrown into grief after the body of a three-year-old boy, Master Lemuel, was found a day after he reportedly went missing in the Uko Road area of the town.
PUNCH Metro reports that the tragic incident has heightened concerns over child safety in the community, with residents calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death and urging parents and neighbours to remain more vigilant.
Our correspondent gathered from family sources on Thursday that Lemuel was playing with other children in the neighbourhood on Monday before he was reportedly sent on an errand to buy an item for his father.
Sources said the boy, who was reportedly unwell at the time, did not return home after leaving for the errand, prompting his parents, relatives and neighbours to begin searching for him.
As the hours passed without any information about his whereabouts, PUNCH Metro learnt that his father reportedly went to the Gana Police Station to formally report the child missing and seek assistance in locating him.
The search continued into the night but ended in tragedy the following morning when Lemuel’s lifeless body was reportedly discovered close to the family residence.
PUNCH Metro learnt that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident, while investigators are said to be examining circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance and death.
Meanwhile, the Sapele Local Government Council has expressed sympathy with the bereaved family and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The council chairman, Hon. Bright Abeke, who was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Raymond Overah, led a delegation of council officials on a condolence visit to the family.
Speaking on behalf of the chairman, Overah expressed sadness over the death of the young boy and assured the family that the council would support efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He said the council chairman had directed relevant security agencies to intensify their investigation, identify anyone connected to the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was made to face the law.
“The council is deeply saddened by this tragic loss. We urge the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice,” Overah said.
He also appealed to residents to remain alert and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies.
The council’s intervention came as residents continued to gather around the bereaved family, with many expressing shock that a child so young could become the victim of such a tragedy.
Punch
