By Odunola Esther Owolabi

The Edo State Government has reunited three children found wandering around Iyaro in Igusi Community, Benin City, with their parents after investigations revealed they were not abandoned, contrary to claims circulating on social media.

The children had featured in a viral video alleging that a woman abandoned them by the roadside. However, findings by the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development showed that the claim was false.

Coordinator of Amadin Orphanage, Mrs. Lucy Bello, said the children were rescued on Sunday, July 12, by the Chairman of Igusi Community, Mr. Osabuohien Aisien, who took them to the orphanage for temporary care.

According to Bello, the children explained that they fled their home after eating food prepared by their mother, fearing they would be punished. In the process, they lost their way.

She added that their mother, Mrs. Evelyn Ochade, returned from work to discover they were missing and immediately began searching for them. She later saw the viral video online and, with information from members of the public, traced the children to Amadin Orphanage.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development by the community chairman and the orphanage in line with child protection procedures. Following investigations and verification of the children's identities, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, formally reunited them with their parents.

Speaking during the reunification, Abdallah commended the Chairman of Igusi Community, the management of Amadin Orphanage and members of the public for ensuring the children's safety. She reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to protecting the rights and welfare of every child in Edo State.

The commissioner also urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children and maintain open communication with them to prevent similar incidents. She further cautioned the public against spreading unverified information on social media, noting that false reports can create unnecessary panic, stigmatise innocent families and hinder investigations.

Mrs. Ochade expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for their prompt intervention, professionalism and support, which ensured the safe return of her children.