An 11-year-old girl identified as Happiness Ugbem, from Oju Local Government Area in Benue State, is currently stranded in Kagini, Abuja, following allegations of maltreatment by a guardian.
The minor, who is of Igede descent, recounted to reporters that her aunt, known only as Caro, brought her to Abuja last week and handed her over to a friend. She alleged that the woman subjected her to severe maltreatment, prompting her to flee the house on Tuesday in an attempt to locate and return to her aunt.
Unfortunately, Happiness could not recall the exact locations of either her aunt’s residence or the friend’s house, leaving her lost and vulnerable in an unfamiliar part of the city.
A public appeal has now been issued to help trace her family members and facilitate a safe reunion. Authorities and concerned citizens are calling on anyone with information about her relatives—particularly her aunt Caro—or who recognizes the child to come forward immediately.
Members of the public are urged to widely share details of the case to ensure the young girl’s safety and swift return to her loved ones in Benue State. Such incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of child protection and the critical role community vigilance plays in safeguarding vulnerable minors.
