By Precious Ahiakwo
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a mother in Port Harcourt is living every parent’s worst nightmare after her six-month-old baby, Lucky Sunday, was taken by a neighbor she trusted. The incident occurred last Sunday at Anekelane, Mile 2 Diobu, when a dog meat seller, known only as Erica, absconded with the infant.
Hope Sunday, the distraught mother, is overwhelmed by the sudden disappearance of her son. She recalls how Erica, who had only moved into the compound two months ago, seemed fond of her baby. “He always wanted to hold Lucky, so I thought nothing of letting him carry my son while I spread the clothes to dry,” Hope said, her voice trembling. Little did she know that her decision would lead to the disappearance of her precious child.
Hope’s nightmare began when she returned after a few moments, only to discover that Erica and her baby were nowhere to be found. “I asked a woman if she saw my neighbor with my baby, and she said he hadn’t gone far. I ran to the lotto office where someone said he might be, but there was no sign of him or my baby,” Hope recounted tearfully. “I haven’t seen my baby since.”
The community at Anekelane is reeling from the shock of this betrayal. Neighbors gathered to console Hope, their own faces etched with grief and disbelief. Many of them had bought dog meat from Erica, who seemed like a harmless new addition to their compound. They never imagined that he would betray the community’s trust in such a heart-wrenching manner.
Hope has reported the incident to the Azikiwe Police Division at Illabouchi, Mile 2 Diobu, and an investigation is underway. The mother, however, is pleading for the safe return of her child. “Please, if anyone knows where my baby is, help me. I just want my baby back,” she said, tears streaming down her face.
The fear and heartbreak are palpable in the community, with residents rallying to support the grieving mother while hoping for a miracle. The pain of losing a child, especially under such circumstances, is unimaginable, and the community is united in their hope that little Lucky will be found safe and returned to his mother’s loving arms.