In the midst of the chaos that erupted during a demolition exercise in Oke Baba, a slum in Ebute Metta, Lagos, a four-year-old boy named Hazeem went missing. His father, Idris Malik, shared the heartbreaking story of how his son disappeared and the anguish of not knowing his fate.
On the day of the demolition, Idris was with Hazeem and three other children when the police arrived to destroy homes. While trying to get food for his son, tear gas was fired, causing panic. When Idris returned, Hazeem was gone, leaving behind confusion and distress.
Idris immediately reported his son missing to the Denton Police Station, but despite efforts to locate him, there have been no leads. The uncertainty of Hazeem’s whereabouts weighs heavily on the family, with Idris expressing profound sadness and a sense of emptiness.
Without any conflicts or issues with others, Idris suspects that his son may have been kidnapped. His wife is devastated by the loss, sinking into depression as they navigate this nightmare together.
Despite the support of family and friends, Idris appeals for help in finding Hazeem and financial assistance due to their homelessness after their house was demolished. He believes that if the tear gas hadn’t been fired during the demolition, he might have found his son amidst the chaos.
While there have been no ransom demands, Idris remains hopeful for his son’s safe return, dismissing suspicious claims of sightings. The family is struggling to cope with their current situation, moving from place to place in search of stability and answers.