The Edo State Government has reunited three children found wandering in Benin City with their parents after investigations revealed they were not abandoned, contrary to claims in a viral social media video.
The children were found on Sunday, July 12, around Iyaro in Igusi Community by the community chairman, Mister Osabuohien Aisien, who took them to Amadin Orphanage for temporary care.
Coordinator of the orphanage, Mrs. Lucy Bello, said the children told caregivers they ran away from home after eating food prepared by their mother because they feared being punished, but later lost their way.
She explained that the children’s mother, Mrs. Evelyn Ochade, searched for them after discovering they were missing and eventually traced them to the orphanage after seeing the viral video.
The matter was reported to the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, which carried out investigations and confirmed the children’s identities before reuniting them with their parents.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Honourable Eugenia Abdallah, commended the community chairman, the orphanage and members of the public for ensuring the children’s safety.