In a disturbingly bizarre kidnapping case reported out of Lagos, Nigeria, a 12-year old boy was allegedly taken and used as collateral to purchase bags of rice by suspected kidnappers. The victim, who has not been named to protect his identity, was found by police after being reported missing by his family.
According to reports, the boy had gone out on the morning of March 1st to buy ingredients for his family’s breakfast when he disappeared. His father, Pastor Joshua Ogbonna, told authorities that after the boy failed to return home, they began searching for him but to no avail. Later that evening, the pastor received a mysterious phone call from police in the Iju Ishaga neighborhood informing him that his son had been located at the station.
When Ogbonna arrived at the police station with officers from the New Oko-Oba division, where he had previously filed a missing person’s report, he was told a strange story. Police claimed that surveillance footage showed the boy entering a rice store with two unknown men. The men allegedly used the boy to purchase two bags of rice worth 180,000 naira but never paid for the goods. When confronted, one man had claimed the boy was his son and they needed the rice for a church event. However, he disappeared without paying, leaving the boy behind.
Believing the boy had committed theft, the rice seller began beating him. He was only stopped when a Good Samaritan intervened and brought the case to police. Facing charges for the unpaid rice, Ogbonna reluctantly paid 90,000 naira for one bag to secure his son’s release. The boy was medically examined and is now recovering from the trauma at home, though still shaken. Police say they are further investigating the circumstance and motives of the kidnapping, appealing for help from the public.
This unsettling incident shines a light on the ongoing security challenges and vulnerabilities faced by Nigeria’s children. While questions remain, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks that exist and importance of community in protecting youth.