By Gabriella Ogbu
The family of seven-year-old Mercy Akande has expressed concern over her disappearance in the Sango Ota area of Ogun State.
Mercy was last seen on Monday, December 23, near her mother’s Point of Sale (POS) terminal in the community.
According to eyewitnesses, a regular male customer, familiar to Mercy’s family, bought food for himself and the child before sending her on an errand to purchase a sachet of water.
Upon her return, he intercepted Mercy near the shop. Moments later, both were gone.
Efforts to locate the man have been unsuccessful, as his phone line is unreachable.
Mercy’s cousin, Jude, disclosed that the suspect, a frequent visitor to the shop, did not reside in the area, raising suspicions.
The family immediately reported the case to the Sango Ota police, but they allege poor handling of the matter.
Jude claimed the police demanded N10,000 to file a formal report and N30,000 to track the suspect’s phone number, adding to the family’s financial strain.
“We’ve paid N8,000 for the statement and N2,000 for photos but are struggling with the affidavit due to the holidays,” he shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, has yet to comment on the case.
Meanwhile, the family and local residents are appealing for assistance, fearing the girl may have been abducted.
