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By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
A heavy atmosphere of fear and grief hangs over Baale Street, Lion Bus Stop, in Agboju-Amuwo, Lagos, following a disturbing wave of child kidnapping that has devastated residents. Over the past month, two children have vanished without a trace, fueling panic among parents, neighbours, and authorities.
‘The most heartbreaking case involves three-year-old Nageem Bisiriyu and nearly two-year-old Dorcas Yusuf, a neighbor’s daughter. They were abducted on June 4th, 2025, just a day before Eid.
According to their families, the children were playing outside when an unidentified woman in an hijab sat at the passage in front of the children’s house, claiming she was waiting to have her hair styled, suddenly, she ran off with the children, disappearing into the busy street while other children raised the alarm.
Blessing Oluwapelumi Adegoke, Nageem’s mother, described the chaos: “She sat among the children without suspicion,” Blessing said. “Suddenly, she ran off with Nageem and Dorcas. Despite our frantic search and police reports, she vanished without a trace.” Her voice trembled with heartbreak and frustration over the police’s perceived indifference.
Nageem’s father, Bisiriyu Anishere Babajide, recounted that he was at work when he received the heartbreaking news. His frantic search yielded no results, and he expressed anger at the police response. “We live in constant fear. Our children are no longer safe, and we feel helpless,” he lamented.
Dorcas’s mother, Alima Yusuf, shared her pain. “It’s been over a month, and we have no leads,” she said tearfully. “The police haven’t done enough, and I fear we may never see her again.”
Witnesses recall that the children had been playing when the woman approached. “It was just a few moments,” one neighbor said. “I saw her say she wanted to make her hair. When I came out, I heard the children shouting—they had taken Nageem and Dorcas. When I looked, they were gone.” The community quickly mobilized to search while the mothers reported the incident to the police.
In nearby Demorose, residents shared similar concerns. Mrs. Ifeoma Emmanuel recounted that four years ago, two children from a family living in Casco Street were abducted while running an errand for their mother.
She also mentioned that two years ago, a vegetable vendor’s grandchild was taken without trace. Another case involved children kidnapped in Maza-Maza. Mrs. Emmanuel emphasized the need for vigilance and collective responsibility to protect the children.
Mr. Okwudili Thompson urged residents to stay cautious. “This was a calculated act of deception,” he warned. “We must remain vigilant at all times. Our children belong to all of us, and together, we can prevent such acts.”
The emotional toll on families is profound. Mrs. Adaobi Johnson, a mother of two, expressed her fear: “I can’t let my kids out of my sight anymore. It’s terrifying to think something could happen just outside our door.”
Residents are calling on law enforcement to intensify investigations and increase patrols. “Our children’s safety should be a top priority,” said Mr. Chijioke Eze. “We must work together to make our streets safe again.”
Despite the community’s grief and fear, they remain determined. The stories of Dorcas and Nageem serve as haunting reminders of innocence’s fragility but also fuel a collective call for vigilance and action. Their names continue to echo through Baale Street, as the community strives to bring their children home.
Meanwhile,CSP Moshood Jimoh, Divisional Police Officer, stated he was unaware of recent child disappearances but assured that efforts were underway. “We have sent signals to relevant authorities, and investigations are ongoing,” he confirmed.
As Lagos faces this unsettling trend, hope remains that community vigilance and law enforcement will soon bring answers—and justice.
