The Edo State Government has called on parents and guardians to prioritise responsible parenting, child protection and proper supervision following the reunion of three children who ran away from home in Benin City.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah, said the incident underscored the importance of creating safe and supportive home environments where children can communicate freely without fear of punishment.
The children, from Igusi Community in Oredo Local Government Area, reportedly fled after eating food kept by their mother and became lost while trying to avoid being punished. They were later found wandering by the community chairman, Mr Osabuohien Aisien, who took them to Amadin Orphanage for temporary care and protection.
Abdallah commended the community leader, the orphanage management and members of the public whose prompt actions and useful information helped ensure the children’s safety and eventual reunion with their family.
She urged families to report missing children promptly to the Ministry of Women Affairs, security agencies or other relevant authorities to facilitate quick intervention, adding that every child deserves care, love, guidance and protection.
The children’s mother, Mrs Evelyn Ochade, said she discovered they were missing after returning from her business premises and immediately began searching for them. She said information from concerned residents and a video circulating on social media helped her trace their whereabouts and reunite with them.
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