In a heart-wrenching incident that has left a family in disarray, seven-year-old Mercy Akande was abducted in Sango Ota, Ogun State, by a man her family trusted as a regular customer. The event, which unfolded near her mother’s Point of Sale (PoS) terminal, has sparked outrage and concern.
A Familiar Face, a Heartbreaking Betrayal
The suspect, a man frequently seen at the PoS stand, had developed a rapport with the family over time. Known for his friendly demeanor, he often bought food for Mercy and gave her money, earning the trust of her mother and others around. However, this familiarity turned into a nightmare on Monday, December 23, 2024.
The man had visited the PoS stand as usual, purchasing food and sharing some with Mercy. Later, he sent the little girl to buy a sachet of water. When she returned, he met her midway, collected the water, and disappeared with her.
Mercy’s mother, engrossed with attending to other customers, looked up moments later only to realize her daughter and the man were gone.
A Frantic Search
The family immediately launched a desperate search for the missing child, calling the suspect’s phone repeatedly. However, the line went unanswered and was soon switched off.
A family member, Jude, expressed the deep pain and shock, saying, “This man was someone we trusted. He came to the shop often and was friendly with Mercy. We never imagined he could do something like this.”
Challenges in the Search for Justice
The incident was reported to the local police in Sango, but the family faced bureaucratic hurdles. They were reportedly asked to pay N10,000 to file a report and an additional N30,000 to trace the suspect’s phone. Further delays occurred due to the holiday season, making it difficult to obtain a court affidavit for tracking the man.
A Call for Help
As of now, the whereabouts of Mercy remain unknown. The Akande family is pleading with the public for any information that could lead to her safe return.
This devastating incident serves as a chilling reminder of the need for caution, even with seemingly trustworthy individuals. Anyone with helpful information is urged to come forward.
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