Parents of two partially blind students who went missing from a special school in Ebonyi State have appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru and security agencies to assist in finding their children.
The students, 17-year-old Augustine Onwunyiruba, a Junior Secondary School 3 pupil, and 16-year-old Onyenaturuchukwu Lawrence, a Senior Secondary School 1 student, were enrolled at the Special Secondary School in Opefia Community, Izzi Local Government Area.
The children were last seen on 5 June, according to their parents, Mr Lawrence Ikegwu and Mr Onwunyiruba Odinaka, who spoke to a correspondent in Abakaliki. They said a formal complaint had been lodged with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in the state.
“When we got the information, we thought it was a joke, even till now,” the parents said. “We have searched everywhere without success. The school management has not taken the matter seriously. Though the police have been working on it, we still have no answers. We need help.”
They called on the governor and members of the public to support efforts to locate the missing students.
“We don’t have money. Please, we are asking for help to ensure our children return home safely and in good health,” they pleaded.
SP Joshua Ukandu, Police Public Relations Officer for Ebonyi State Command, confirmed that the matter had been reported and that investigations began immediately after the 5 June incident.
“The command has been investigating the matter and has shared the information across other police commands in the state and through radio broadcasts,” he said. “Unfortunately, there has been no update on their whereabouts. It is truly unfortunate.”
Christopher Okorie, NHRC State Coordinator, said the commission is actively monitoring the situation and condemned the disappearance of the students.
“My heart goes out to the parents,” he said. “I urge them to remain hopeful as the relevant agencies intensify efforts to resolve the case.”
(NAN)