Mystery in Ode-Irele: Police Launch Manhunt as Two-Month-Old Baby Vanishes from Home

A quiet evening in Ode-Irele, Ondo State turned into a community-wide crisis after a two-month-old baby was reported missing under puzzling circumstances, prompting a full-scale investigation by the Ondo State Police Command.

The incident, which occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Monday at Gbeleju Quarters, has left residents in shock and triggered growing unrest. Authorities confirmed that the baby disappeared while in the care of a two-year-old sibling after the mother briefly stepped out to a nearby shop.

Upon returning, the distressed mother reportedly found the baby missing, with the toddler unable to explain the child’s whereabouts. Her cries for help drew the attention of neighbors, who swiftly gathered at the scene. What began as a domestic emergency soon spiraled into tension and protests, as fears of foul play spread across the community.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the facts surrounding the disappearance.

 “We can confirm a case of a missing two-month-old baby in Ode-Irele. Our officers have launched an investigation to uncover the full circumstances,” Ayanlade said.

He further dismissed widely circulated rumors that the child’s father had confessed to selling the baby, describing such claims as unfounded and premature.

“The investigation is ongoing, and no such confession has been made. We urge the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation,” he added.

Efforts by the Nigerian News Agency (NAN) to reach the child’s parents for further clarification were unsuccessful, as their residence remained locked and unoccupied as of the time of reporting.

The case adds to growing concerns about child safety in local communities, with authorities appealing for public cooperation to aid in the baby’s recovery.