A heartbreaking case of child abandonment and survival has emerged in Nigeria’s commercial capital as a 14-year-old boy, Emmanuel Okafor, was found wandering barefoot and visibly weak on Third Mainland Bridge around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
According to a concerned passerby who stopped to assist, what initially appeared to be a case of a stranded commuter turned into something far more alarming.
Upon engaging the boy in conversation, it became clear that Emmanuel had been living on the streets since January, following the sudden disappearance of his uncle, his only known guardian in Lagos.
A Child Left Behind
Emmanuel, originally from Aniocha North Local Government Area in Delta State, narrated that his uncle brought him to Lagos months ago.
One day, the man left for work and never returned, leaving the teenager with no shelter, family contact, or means of survival.
Since then, Emmanuel says he has survived by begging for food and sleeping rough in areas around Yaba, though he could not recall a specific address.
He was reportedly attempting to walk to Benin City in search of his parents, who he believes are somewhere “in the East.”
Starving and disoriented, Emmanuel had not eaten in days and had no access to a phone or any form of identification.
The good Samaritan who found him quickly alerted officers of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), who advised that the boy be taken to the Adekunle Police Station for immediate safety and further action.
Before doing so, the rescuer ensured Emmanuel was fed and given water to regain his strength.
A Cry for Help from the Public
Emmanuel is currently in protective custody at Adekunle Police Station, but efforts to locate his family have so far proven unsuccessful.
The public is being called upon to assist in identifying his relatives or providing any information that could lead to reuniting him with his loved ones.
Details provided by Emmanuel Okafor:
Name: Emmanuel Okafor
Age: 14
Father’s Name: Goodwin Okafor
Local Government Area: Aniocha North
State of Origin: Delta State
Concerned citizens and humanitarian organizations are also encouraged to reach out for further support or intervention.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Adekunle Police Station in Lagos or the rescuer directly at 08101847389.
A Reflection on Child Safety and Urban Neglect
This incident sheds light on the growing issue of child homelessness and abandonment in urban centers like Lagos.
It raises critical questions about social welfare mechanisms, child protection systems, and the role of both family and government in safeguarding minors.
As Emmanuel awaits the possibility of reunion with his family, his story serves as a sobering reminder of the silent struggles faced by many children living in the shadows of Nigeria’s bustling cities.
Let’s not look away. Let’s share his story. Let’s bring Emmanuel home
See details provided below 👇
Public Notice: Missing Child Found – Please Help Reshare
Good day everyone,
Please kindly help reshare this message to reach as many people as possible.
A young boy named Emmanuel Okafor, aged 14, was found walking barefoot and visibly exhausted on Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos, at around 10:30 PM on Tuesday, 17th June 2025. I was in transit at the time and decided to stop, assuming he might have lacked transport fare. However, after speaking with him, I learned something more concerning.
According to Emmanuel, he has been living on the streets of Lagos since January 2025. He stated that he was brought to Lagos by his uncle, but one day, the uncle went out for work and never returned. Since then, Emmanuel has been left alone, surviving by begging for food and sleeping in uncertain locations around Yaba, although he cannot recall the exact address.
When I asked where he was going, he said he was heading to Benin to find his parents, who he says are in the East. He had not eaten and had no means of contacting anyone.
Here are the details he provided:
Name: Emmanuel Okafor
Age: 14 years
Father’s Name: Goodwin Okafor
Local Government Area: Anyocha North
State of Origin: Delta State
After speaking with officers from the RRS team nearby, they advised I take him to the Adekunle Police Station, which I had already planned to do. But first, I ensured he had food and water to regain some strength.
As of last night, Emmanuel is in the custody of the Adekunle Police Station for his safety. If anyone recognizes this boy, knows his family, or has any helpful information, please contact me or the police station immediately.
Let’s help reunite Emmanuel with his family. Please share this message widely.
Contact me:08101847389
Thank you and God bless.
