– A 33-year-old visually impaired mother, Agnes Forte, shares her ordeal as her one-year-old child goes missing
Agnes Forte, a 33-year-old blind mother, recounts the harrowing experience of her one-year-old child disappearing while playing in their compound in Akowonjo area of Lagos State, in an interview with VICTORIA EDEME
How and when did you first realize that your child was missing?
Agnes Forte, a 33-year-old woman from Oji Local Government, Benue State, residing at No. 9 Lambe Street, Akowonjo, Lagos State, narrates the events of November 28, 2023, around 1:30 pm, when her daughter, Excel, aged one year and nine months, went missing. She explains that her daughter was playing indoors with her stepdaughter, Joy, before both disappeared. Despite asking Joy to bring back Excel, the children vanished, along with some belongings and money. Efforts to locate them have been in vain.
What are your proofs that Joy indeed took your child away? Did she reach out to you?
Agnes expresses certainty that Joy is responsible for taking her child, citing several abnormal actions and events surrounding the disappearance, without any contact from Joy since then.
Are there any potential motives or reasons why Joy may be behind your child’s disappearance?
Agnes denies mistreating Joy and expresses shock at her involvement, revealing instances that indicate unusual behavior leading up to the disappearance.
Have you been in contact with Joy’s grandmother?
Agnes confirms communication with Joy’s grandmother, who denies any knowledge of Joy’s whereabouts since the incident.
Have there been any unusual or suspicious activities in your neighborhood or community that might be related to your child’s disappearance?
Agnes recounts suspicions about Joy’s interactions with a neighbor but highlights the lack of concrete evidence.
Following your child’s disappearance, did you ask your neighbor if he knew about Joy’s whereabouts?
Agnes describes interactions with a neighbor during the search for the missing children, raising concerns about his seemingly uncooperative behavior.
Have you reported the disappearance to local law enforcement, and if so, what has been their response or progress in the investigation?
Agnes details interactions with the police, including providing information on phone calls made from her device and suspicions about the neighbor’s involvement.
Did you inform the police about your suspicions concerning your neighbor?
Agnes reveals hesitance in sharing suspicions with the police due to overwhelming questions, expressing reliance on divine intervention for justice.
Are there any specific places or areas where your child may be known to frequent?
Agnes clarifies her daughter’s routine and limited interaction due to her visual impairment, emphasizing the close bond between them.
What has your husband said about the incident so far?
Agnes mentions her husband’s active involvement in the search for their missing children.
Are there any potential witnesses to the disappearance, and if so, have they been identified or interviewed by authorities?
Agnes discusses the absence of witnesses and the solitary nature of the compound, affecting the availability of potential leads.
Can you provide any additional details about the circumstances leading up to your child’s disappearance that might be relevant to the investigation?
Agnes expresses concerns and suspicions about Joy’s actions and possible connections to places where she may have sought refuge.
Do you have the contact of Joy’s friends or other family members whom you can call for inquiries?
Agnes explains her limited knowledge of Joy’s acquaintances and family background, indicating challenges in reaching out for information.
Are there any medical conditions or special needs that should be considered in the search for your child?
Agnes shares information about her daughter’s health condition before her disappearance, highlighting the need for appropriate care.
Asides Joy, can you provide information about anyone who might have had a motive or reason to harm or take your child?
Agnes denies knowledge of any other possible suspects.
Have you been in contact with any advocacy or support groups for missing children, and if not, would you be open to seeking their assistance?
Agnes mentions interactions with individuals offering support and assistance, expressing openness to help from relevant organizations.
How can the community assist in the search for your missing child, and what specific help are you seeking from the Lagos Commission of Police?
Agnes appeals for community support and raises a desperate plea to relevant authorities, including the State Governor, for assistance in reuniting her with her missing child.