The heart-wrenching story of seven-year-old Mercy Akande’s disappearance unfolds in Sango, Ogun State, Nigeria, casting a chilling shadow over the festive season of December 2024. Mercy, the daughter of a hardworking Point-of-Sale (POS) operator, vanished under suspicious circumstances, allegedly abducted by a familiar face – one of her mother’s regular customers. This man, previously perceived as a friendly figure who often bought Mercy treats and small gifts, now stands at the center of a desperate search and a growing public outcry against alleged police corruption.
The timeline of events paints a picture of calculated manipulation and a mother’s worst nightmare. On the morning of December 23rd, the customer, as usual, visited the POS stand, purchasing food for himself and Mercy. He then sent the unsuspecting girl on an errand to buy a sachet of water. As Mercy returned, the man intercepted her, a seemingly innocuous act that raised a fleeting concern in her mother’s mind. Distracted by the demands of her business, the mother’s attention quickly shifted back to her customers. Moments later, both the man and Mercy had vanished.
Frantic searches yielded no results. Calls to the man’s phone initially connected, with him claiming to be nearby and promising to call back. This proved to be a deceptive tactic; the number soon became unreachable. The family’s desperate plea for help resonated on social media, particularly on the platform X (formerly Twitter), where a relative, using the handle #mimara_concept, shared the harrowing details of Mercy’s disappearance. The post quickly gained traction, sparking outrage and concern among Nigerian netizens.
Adding to the family’s anguish is the alleged conduct of the police at the Sango police station where the case was reported. Instead of offering immediate assistance, officers reportedly demanded a sum of N40,000 from Mercy’s already distraught mother – N10,000 for reporting the case and an additional N30,000 for tracking the suspect’s phone. This demand, coupled with the bureaucratic hurdles of obtaining a court affidavit needed for the phone tracking process (delayed due to the holiday season), further compounded the family’s suffering and fueled public anger over alleged police corruption.
The social media outcry caught the attention of high-ranking police officials. Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reacting to the tagged tweet, expressed shock and condemnation of the alleged extortion, labeling it “inhuman and unprofessional.” He publicly assured the family of his personal intervention, requesting them to contact him directly. Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed awareness of the case, stating that they were in contact with the family and that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was actively handling the investigation.
The case of Mercy Akande highlights several critical issues within Nigerian society. Firstly, it underscores the vulnerability of children, especially in public spaces. The seemingly friendly demeanor of the alleged abductor masked a sinister intent, betraying the trust placed in him by both Mercy and her mother. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and awareness in protecting children from potential predators. Secondly, the alleged financial demands by the police bring into sharp focus the persistent issue of corruption within the force. The demand for payment to perform their duty – investigating a missing child – is not only morally reprehensible but also erodes public trust in law enforcement. The incident reignites calls for accountability and reform within the police force. Finally, the power of social media in amplifying voices and demanding action is evident in this case. The widespread sharing of Mercy’s story created pressure on authorities, leading to higher-level intervention and assurances of a thorough investigation.
This developing story continues to grip the nation, prompting discussions about child safety, police accountability, and the role of social media in seeking justice. As the search for Mercy intensifies, the hope remains that she will be found safe and returned to her family. The public awaits the outcome of the investigation, anticipating answers and demanding justice for Mercy and her family. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in ensuring the safety and security of children, and the urgent need for effective and ethical law enforcement. The incident also highlights the power of digital platforms in mobilizing public support and holding authorities accountable.
