A family has raised an urgent alarm over the disappearance of a young boy, Chidera Godswill Okeke, popularly known as Dera, calling on the public and relevant authorities to assist in locating him.
The appeal follows growing public misunderstanding surrounding a photograph circulated online on Thursday. The child’s mother, Chidinma Chukwu, had shared the image while asking if it was indeed her son. This sparked criticism from some quarters, with questions raised about how a mother could fail to recognize her own child.
Family sources have now clarified the situation.
According to them, the photograph in question was presented to Chidinma as a recent image of her son, sent by a young boy who works for the woman last known to have custody of Dera. The child in the image, however, was not the same boy Chidinma left years ago with her mother.
Background of the Case
Chidinma reportedly left her son in the care of her mother while she relocated to Lagos to work and provide financial support. Throughout this period, she consistently sent money home for her son’s upkeep, believing he remained with his grandmother, who was said to be caring for him adequately.
Unbeknownst to her, Chidinma’s aunt later persuaded the grandmother to release Dera into her care, claiming she needed companionship as her own grown children were living abroad. This decision was reportedly made without Chidinma’s knowledge or consent.
For months, Chidinma continued to send money, unaware her son had been moved. It was only after noticing inconsistencies that she began asking questions, at which point the family disclosed that Dera had been taken to Lagos.
Despite repeated pleas, the aunt allegedly refused to provide her address or allow Chidinma to visit her son. The situation escalated into a prolonged family dispute, with assurances repeatedly given that the child was safe and well cared for.
Eventually, an agreement was reached that Dera would be returned to his mother during the Christmas period.
Disappearance and Arrests
Tragically, before this could happen, Dera was reported missing. Family members revealed that he is not the only child unaccounted for, as another boy, aged seven, who was also living with the same woman, has equally gone missing.
Since the disappearance, the aunt has reportedly been unreachable. Her husband and son were arrested in connection with the matter, although family sources fear they may soon be released, describing the situation as complex and still unfolding.
There are also unverified claims circulating within the community that the woman had been maltreating children under her care.
Family’s Appeal
The family has appealed passionately to the public for assistance, stressing that Chidinma did not abandon her child.
“She has been hustling in Lagos to provide for her son. She never stopped sending money or asking after him,” a family member said. “All she wants is to find her child.”
Anyone with useful information regarding the whereabouts of Chidera Godswill Okeke is urged to come forward and contact the nearest police station.
Help Chidinma find her son.
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