The Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, has confirmed that seven children have been reported missing in Agbarho Kingdom, sparking tension and fear among residents.
Though earlier reports suggested that 26 children had disappeared under mysterious circumstances, Egbo clarified during a security meeting on Thursday that only seven cases have been verified so far.
In response, he immediately banned the activities of iron scavengers, popularly known as “Iron Condemned”, across Agbarho Kingdom. This follows reports that one suspected scavenger was caught attempting to kidnap a child in the area.
Egbo has set up an investigative team headed by ACP Ademola Adebayo, the Ughelli Area Commander, to thoroughly investigate the disappearances. “We are taking this seriously. The lives of our children matter. The security team will work round the clock to uncover the truth and prevent a recurrence,” Egbo said.
The emergency security meeting brought together community leaders, the Agbarho Royal Palace, Agbarho Descendants Union, women’s groups, and all relevant security agencies, including the police, army, DSS, NSCDC, Customs, Immigration, and local vigilantes.
The council boss said the local government had not been aware of the situation until a mother revealed her child went missing as far back as December 2024. He assured residents that measures were now in place to support the affected families and track down the missing children.
Egbo also announced welfare support for three of the affected mothers, including one who will be sponsored to return to school and two others who will receive small business support to help them get back on their feet.
The council chairman warned scavengers to stay away from Agbarho unless properly registered and profiled. “Any scavenger seen in Agbarho without clearance will be arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.
Egbo called on parents and guardians to be more vigilant and to report any suspicious movement in their communities. He also advised youths to avoid the temptation of engaging in crimes like ritual killings, internet fraud, and kidnapping, which are becoming common in some parts of the country.
The case has thrown the peaceful Agbarho Kingdom into a state of worry, with many residents urging authorities to act fast to find the missing children and bring culprits to justice.
