Missing Child: Osun Police Seek Help Tracing Found 16-Year-Old Boy
Osogbo, Osun State – June 10, 2026 - The Osun State Police Command has issued an urgent public appeal for assistance in tracing the family of a 16-year-old male child found wandering at the Osun Mall in Osogbo on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
According to an official statement released on the command’s X handle (@NPF_Osun_State) this morning, the boy was discovered at approximately 5:00 p.m.
He was shabbily dressed, unkempt, and appeared unable to provide his name, parents’ names, address, or any guardian details.
Preliminary assessment suggests he may be of unsound mind.
The child is now in protective custody at Dada Estate Police Station, Osogbo, where he is receiving safety, care, and support while efforts to reunite him with his relatives continue.
A photograph circulated by the police shows a smiling young man with short black hair, wearing a bright pink jacket over a patterned shirt and grey trousers — likely taken after he was brought into custody and given basic care.
The image is being widely shared to aid identification and prompt family members or anyone who recognizes him to come forward.
“Kindly assist in disseminating [this information] to help trace his relatives for reunion,” the police statement read, underscoring the command’s reliance on community partnership in such welfare cases.
Contact and Next Steps Members of the public with useful information are urged to contact: Dada Estate Police Station, Osogbo directly, or Osun State Police emergency lines: 08039537995 or 08123823981 Email: PproOsun@npf.gov.ng All tips will be treated with confidentiality and urgency, police assured.
Broader Context
This appeal reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s growing use of social media for rapid public engagement in missing-persons and child-welfare cases.
In Osun State and across Nigeria, such incidents involving vulnerable children — whether due to mental health challenges, family separation, or other circumstances — highlight the critical need for swift community response.
Successful reunions often depend on timely information sharing. Police commands nationwide routinely place found persons, especially minors, in protective custody while launching public tracing efforts.
The Osun command’s proactive approach aligns with broader efforts to strengthen child protection and reduce the emotional and social toll of family separations. The boy’s current well-being remains the priority.
Authorities continue to provide him with necessary care while working to restore him to his family. Anyone with information that could lead to his identification or reunion is encouraged to act immediately.
The Osun State Police Command remains committed to the safety and welfare of all residents, particularly children and vulnerable persons.
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