2nd (R), PS, Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien with ThankGod Alex (the lost but found child), and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Okezie Ikonne
From our news desk, Benin
The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has successfully reunited a primary five pupil of Family Support Program School; ThankGod Alex, with his family after he was found roaming the streets of Benin City at midnight in his school uniform.
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The child was rescued by Richard Balogun of the Edo State Security Corps, who found him wandering around Ikhueniro Bypass along Agbor Road, Benin City, late at night and promptly brought him to the ministry for intervention.
The Ministry’s media team headed by Daisy Osunde, a director, made the disclosure on Tuesday, 12 May, 2026 in a press release circulated amongst journalists in Benin, the State Capital.
According to the child, he lives at Ehigiator Street, by Adesuwa Street, off Sapele Road, Benin City, and had lost his way while trying to return home, it was stated.
Upon receiving the child on behalf of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, immediately directed that efforts be intensified to trace the child’s family.
Acting swiftly, officials of the ministry visited the child’s school, where his parents were successfully traced.
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Little Alex was subsequently and formally handed over to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Okezie Ikonne, by Mrs. Ihensekhien on behalf of the Commissioner.
Speaking during the handover, the Permanent Secretary appreciated Richard Balogun for his humane and responsible action, noting that his prompt intervention helped ensure the safety of the child.
Mrs. Ihensekhien also admonished parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the welfare, safety, and movement of their children in order to prevent similar occurrences.
The parents, while expressing gratitude to the ministry and the Edo State Security Corps for safeguarding their child, were made to sign an undertaking to ensure proper care and supervision of the child going forward.
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