A 7-year-old girl named Mercy Akande has been reportedly kidnapped in Ogun State, raising alarm across Nigeria. The incident occurred on Monday, December 23, 2024, prompting urgent discussions on social media and calls to address corruption within the Nigeria Police Force.
Details of the case reveal that the alleged kidnapper, a regular customer of Mercy’s mother, a Point-of-Sale operator, had developed a bond with the young girl. He often purchased food items and gifted her money, creating an unsuspecting friendship. On the day of the incident, the man asked Mercy to run an errand to fetch a sachet of water. While returning, he was seen meeting her halfway, which unsettled her mother, who was preoccupied with other customers in the store.
In a desperate plea for help, a family member disclosed that Mercy was last seen with this male customer, who has since vanished along with the young girl. The family attempted to contact the suspect, who initially responded but subsequently went silent, rendering him unreachable.
The family reported the incident to the local police, but were reportedly faced with demands for payment totaling N40,000—comprising N10,000 to lodge the report and N30,000 for tracking the suspect’s phone. This situation has led to frustration within the family as they try to navigate the bureaucratic challenges to report the case effectively.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command acknowledged the inquiry but delayed further comment. Meanwhile, the Force Public Relations Officer expressed disbelief over the reported financial demands from officers, labeling them as “inhuman and unprofessional.” He assured that he would take personal responsibility for the case and urged the family to reach out directly for assistance.
As the community rallies around Mercy’s family, concerns over safety and adequate police response continue to grow, highlighting the urgent need for reforms within law enforcement.
