The baby was reportedly left in the care of a two-year-old sibling while their mother (whose identity is being withheld for security reasons) stepped out briefly to purchase a few household items at a nearby shop.
The Ondo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a two-month-old baby in the Ode-Irele community of Irele Local Government Area.
According to reports, the unsettling incident occurred on Monday evening, around 9:00 p.m., at Gbeleju Quarters in Ode-Irele. The baby was reportedly left in the care of a two-year-old sibling while their mother (whose identity is being withheld for security reasons) stepped out briefly to purchase a few household items at a nearby shop, located just opposite their residence.
Upon returning, the mother was shocked to discover that her infant was missing. The older sibling, being only two years old, was unable to provide any coherent explanation or account of what had transpired in her absence.
Alarmed, the distraught mother raised an alert, drawing the attention of neighbours and passersby. The incident quickly spread through the community, sparking widespread tension, fear, and ultimately, protests by concerned residents.
Residents who spoke under the condition of anonymity expressed deep concern over what they described as a growing sense of insecurity in the area. Many called on law enforcement authorities to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the safe recovery of the baby and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Ondo State Command, Superintendent Olayinka Ayanlade, told NAN that the command is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the baby’s disappearance. He assured the public that efforts were underway to get to the root of the matter.
“We can confirm that a case involving the disappearance of a two-month-old baby was reported in Ode-Irele. Our officers have since commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Ayanlade said.
He also addressed and dismissed widespread rumours circulating on social media and within the community that the baby’s father had confessed to selling the child.
“I want to categorically refute claims suggesting that the father has confessed to selling the baby. There is no truth to that. The investigation is ongoing, and we are yet to make such a conclusion. The whereabouts of the baby remain unknown as of now,” he added.
The Ondo State Police Command has called on members of the public to remain calm and provide any useful information that could aid in the investigation. Community leaders and local vigilante groups have also been urged to cooperate with law enforcement agents to ensure the safe return of the missing child.