A dog meat seller identified only as Erica has reportedly absconded with a six-month-old baby boy in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The incident occurred on Aneke Lane, Mile 2 Diobu, on Sunday last week.
Erica, a man in his mid-30s from Akwa Ibom State, had only been living in the neighborhood for two months. Neighbors said he often killed and sold dog meat in front of the compound where he resided.
The mother of the missing child, Hope Sunday, recounted the events leading up to the abduction. She explained that she was outside washing clothes when Erica offered to help by carrying her baby, named Lucky Sunday. Hope trusted Erica, as he often held her baby, but when she returned after tending to her other children, both Erica and her baby were gone.
Hope stated: “My baby’s name is Lucky Sunday. The baby is six months going to seven months. I stay at Aneke Lane No. 25, Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt. I wanted to wash some clothes. He (Erica) came and said I should give him my baby to help me so that I can spread the clothes. I gave the baby to him. Why I gave out my baby is that he likes to carry my baby always.”
After realizing her baby was missing, Hope began asking neighbors if they had seen Erica with the child. One neighbor indicated that he had not gone far, while another suggested she check a nearby lotto office, claiming Erica mentioned he wanted to charge his phone there.
The search for Lucky Sunday continues, and the community is urged to assist in locating the missing child.