Published by Osasere Edomwonyi Ikpoba
Tears of joy replaced the tears of fear on Saturday as six-year-old Haneem Hussaini Bello was safely reunited with his grandmother, a day after he was found wandering alone and crying near the NNPC Towers in Abuja’s Central Business District. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed the successful reunification on Saturday, September 5, 2026, bringing a heartwarming conclusion to an ordeal that had gripped the nation's capital since the previous afternoon.
Haneem's disappearance began on Friday, September 4, when he accompanied his family to the Central Mosque for Juma'at prayers. The family, who had travelled from Bauchi State to Abuja for the summer break, became separated from the young boy amid the crowds of worshippers. Unable to find his mother and siblings, the terrified child wandered through the bustling city centre until he was discovered at approximately 3 p.m. near the NNPC Towers, crying and visibly distressed.
Concerned members of the public who found the child immediately alerted the authorities, and the boy was taken into protective custody by the FCT Police Command. Haneem, who was described as wearing carton-coloured trousers and a brown shirt with black and white stripes on the left side, could provide only limited information about his family, telling officers that he had come to Abuja from Bauchi State for the holidays.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, promptly issued a public appeal for information that could help reunite the child with his family. The appeal, which was widely shared across news platforms and social media, described the circumstances of the boy's disappearance and provided details about his appearance and the likely location of his family.
The response from the public was swift and decisive. Less than 24 hours after the appeal was launched, the boy's grandmother, who had been with Haneem before he became separated from his family, was identified and contacted. Following due verification procedures by the police to confirm the relationship, Haneem was safely handed over to his grandmother on Saturday.
The FCT Police Command, in a statement issued by SP Josephine Adeh, expressed profound gratitude to members of the public for their support, cooperation, and timely information. The Command noted that the collective efforts of the police and the public were instrumental in the successful identification of the child's family and his safe reunification with his loved one. The police further encouraged members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement authorities by providing timely information that could assist in safeguarding vulnerable persons and reuniting them with their families.
Haneem's grandmother, who had accompanied the family to the mosque, was visibly relieved and overjoyed to have the young boy back in her care. The boy, who had spent a night in police custody, was reported to be in good health and high spirits following the reunion. The family has since expressed their deep appreciation to the police and the public for their assistance in bringing Haneem back to them safely.
This heartwarming reunion serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the critical role that public cooperation plays in supporting law enforcement efforts. In a city where the safety of children is a growing concern, the successful resolution of Haneem's case stands as a testament to what can be achieved when the authorities and the public work together.
The FCT Police Command has reiterated its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society and has urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, especially in crowded public spaces. The Command also advised families to ensure that children know their home addresses or the phone numbers of their parents to facilitate quick reunification in case of emergencies.
As Haneem Hussaini Bello settles back into the warm embrace of his family, his story offers a beacon of hope and a reminder that even in the chaos of a bustling metropolis, the bonds of family and the kindness of strangers can still bring a lost child home.
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